At CCSU, U.S. Rep. Murphy advocates DREAM Act

http://newbritainherald.com/articles...c565203149.txt

NEW BRITAIN — The federal DREAM Act would not only provide a pathway to citizenship for aspiring college students, it also makes economic sense, U.S. Rep Chris Murphy, D-5th District, told a small audience at Central Connecticut State University Wednesday afternoon.

In a small room at the CCSU Student Center, Murphy and other advocates spoke to an audience of about two dozen in an informal session on the value of the Development, Relief and Education for Alien Minors (DREAM) Act that is currently stalled in Congress.

Among others, Murphy was joined by Carolina and Camilla Bortolleto, twin sisters who came to the United States from Brazil when they were 9 years old and have been dealing with the limitations of their status ever since.

“There’s something holding you back from the life you feel should be yours,” when you’re undocumented, Carolina said. Last year she earned a biology degree from Western Connecticut State University but because of her status, has -een in limbo ever since.


DREAM would grant a 10-year conditional residence to any undocumented alien who came to the United States before they turned 16, provided they are in good legal standing, have lived in the United States for at least five years and either joins the military or pursues a college degree. After that 10 year period they would be able to apply for citizenship.

Opponents of the DREAM Act at the federal and state levels contend that the in-state tuition rates and other financial bonuses that would go to those who are in the country illegally take jobs from legal residents and deplete the economy.

On the contrary, Murphy said, DREAM would, in fact, benefit the economy.

He noted a Congressional Budget Office report that estimates the act, in the long term, would improve productivity through more college degrees and those potential employees would ultimately yield a $2.2 billion reduction in the federal deficit.

According to Murphy, college graduates pay more in taxes. “You’re making money for the federal government,” he said.

Connecticut is one of 13 states to have already passed their own version of the bill.

The problem with current immigration system is that “there is no line,” for the undocumented to get into in order to become citizens, said Bishop Jim Curry, part of the Episcopal Diocese of Connecticut and a member of Bishops Working for a Just World.

Those who lack skills deemed necessary, legal family in the United States or evidence of persecution in their home country, can find it nearly impossible to successfully apply for citizenship, said Joanne Lewis, an immigration attorney with Connecticut Legal Services.

Thanks for posting this. Should've put it on the news section. Anyway, my sister attends this college and we've been very lucky to be able to pay in state tuition after the CT Dream Act passed. I would like to give a special thanks to Carolina and Camilla for championing this bill through the state capitol.