Jerry Brown has a big decision to make. The California State Assembly approved the second part of a two-bill package, more commonly known as the California Dream Act, which is now awaiting the governor’s signature before it can be signed into law. The Dream Act will enable undocumented students to pursue higher education.
“I think anybody living in the state of California should be entitled to financial aid. If you come here and work hard, and you’re a full time student, and you come here because the education system in your own country is not working out for you, there’s no reason why we should say these people get the aid and these people don’t. Just because they’re from Mexico instead of Southern California, I don’t see why it should make a difference whatsoever.” Eli Powelson, 21, senior, history.
“I think everyone has the right to financial aid.” Fatuma Kitenge, 23, senior, Africana studies.
“I think if they’re here and they’re serious students they deserve an opportunity for an education.” Michael Andrews, 42, graduate student, TESOL.
“I wouldn’t really care if someone got financial aid as long as they’re deserving of it. In the end, they’re going to contribute to our economy, so why not give them financial aid?” Phillip Ona, 20, sophomore, kinesiology.
“If the students show that they really do want to go to school, I think the state should help them financially.” Mayela Saldana, 23, senior, international relations.
Have an opinion on the DREAM Act or related issues? Send a letter to the editors of the Golden Gate Xpress.
Bill Bradsky • Sep 15, 2011 at 1:56 pm
Isn’t it funny how the same people who are protesting cuts to education, cuts to financial aid, etc….are the same people demanding the dream act be passed? Why would you take money away from legal students and give it to illegal immigrants?
By the way, who is writing this garbage? The title omits the very subject at hand, “Do you think immigrants living in California should have access to financial aid?” The question is, do you think ILLEGAL immigrants living in California should have access to financial aid? Furthermore, this gem here; “The Dream Act will enable undocumented students to pursue higher education.” Of course this implies there is something currently holding them back. Nothing is stopping an illegal immigrant from pursuing higher education, the question is whether or not we will take money away from other students and give it to illegal immigrants. And of course, like any good journalist, every single person you interviewed takes the exact same position. A REAL journalist would offer both sides. Then again, I guess I shouldn’t expect much from that awful rag you call the “xpress.”
Caitlin Olson, are you so afraid of offending somebody that you can’t even bring yourself to represent the most basic principles and ethics of journalism?
Don Honda • Sep 7, 2011 at 12:31 pm
Hmmm. Here’s a prime example of asking an innocuous “neutralized” question and getting glib, vapid responses. I think that most US citizens are not against LEGAL immigrants, LEGAL students, the people who honor our laws and process by applying and getting Student Visa, Green Card, applying for citizenship, etc. If your respondents were asked whether they wished their increased tuition, more competition for college placement, and to have their parents pay more in taxes go in favor to those who disrespect our laws, want to go ahead of you, and cannot be LEGALLY employed even if they receive this aid and a higher education because they are not citizens.
If your readers really want to know what AB 131 (Development, Relief, and Education for Alien Minors) gives to Illegal Immigrants, fee (tuition) waivers, State and Federal aid for books, living expenses, etc–NOT the “leftovers, then see:
http://www.aroundthecapitol.com/Bills/AB_131/20112012/