New York, NY, March 18, 2014 …The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) today expressed disappointment in the defeat of legislation in the New York State Senate that would have granted college tuition assistance to undocumented immigrants who met certain conditions.

The New York DREAM Act, which passed in the State Assembly last month, was defeated by a vote of 30-29. The measure required 32 votes in order to pass.  ADL’s New York Regional Office is a member of the New York State Dream Coalition, which advocated for passage of the bill.

Evan R. Bernstein, ADL New York Regional Director, issued the following statement:

The Senate’s failure to act is disheartening and deeply disappointing. This legislation would have provided financial assistance to undocumented students and given them a valuable opportunity to contribute to our country.

Like their American peers, these students have been raised and educated in our communities, have worked hard, and have achieved good grades. The Senators who voted against this measure are dashing the hopes of a better future for young people who seek equal access to the American dream and penalizing them for circumstances beyond their control.

In addition to more than a dozen states that offer in-state tuition to undocumented students, there are already four states who offer state tuition assistance to undocumented immigrants: California, New Mexico, Texas and Washington. We must rededicate ourselves to adding New York to this list.

 

The Anti-Defamation League, founded in 1913, is the world’s leading organization fighting anti-Semitism through programs and services that counteract hatred, prejudice and bigotry.  Follow us on Twitter: @ADL_NY