Living the Dream Act

I am a counselor at Montgomery College and know some of the students profiled in this story as they started their educational path at MC. I am glad to see that UM is recognizing the need to expand services to undocumented students. I previously worked at UM before passage of the Maryland DREAM Act and I recall seeing newly admitted students that were shocked to learn the university was charging them out of state tuition even though they had grown up in the state and their hard working parents paid state taxes, but because they lacked legal status they had to pay the higher tuition rates. Needless to say, many had to turn down the opportunity to enroll at the university.
In would like to point out that students with DACA are able to complete a FAFSA form even though they don't qualify for federal financial aid, FAFSA information is often used by other sources of aid, such as scholarship organizations. Here is the link
https://studentaid.ed.gov/eligibility/non-us-citizens.

I worked hard with Action in Montgomery which worked hard with CASA to get the Maryland Dream Act Passed. The young potential students involved were so excited after the passing of the bill that they could not hear anything in the chambers for further business.

I appreciate the comment from Mrs. Linda Robinson. I spent almost seven years getting a bachelor degree in government and politics, from 2000 to 2006. Montgomery College gave me the opportunity to earn an associate in arts and the opportunity to play college soccer. But, when the time to transfer to a four year institution came, I had only few options. I still remember the times I went to Mrs. Robinson's office to ask her for guidance in 2003. Being accepted at UMCP was one of the happiest days of my life. After graduating from UMD in 2006, I had the privilege of working for several law firms since 2007 as a paralegal. From assisting American homeowners facing foreclosures statewide to helping undocumented people to gain legal status or navigate the legal system, my college education enabled me to do so much for my community. Giving undocumented students access to higher education is a good idea because we are providing them with the tools to face the problems of tomorrow. I never imagined that I, an undocumented immigrant in the waiting line for a green card, was going to speak on behalf of my fellow Dreamers in Congress. And, my journey is far from over. It is my desire to go to law school. I encourage UMD to continue opening its doors to people who dream big.

It is very admirable to go to law school etc. But can we still be a nation/states of law in which they are not enforced? Why don't we just change the law instead of sidestep them due to lack of political will to enforce the existing laws?

"Dreamers" sounds great, just like a law or idea that espouses the idea of being for "puppy's" would be accepted... who is against puppy's? However, it is very ironic that "dreamer's" who (or their parents) have dodged the law, want to practice law... why practice law if law is not enforced? What are the use of law's if law's are not enforced?

Americans are immigrants and America is a nation governed by law. Those who's timeframes don't coincide with political will to fix current law issues deserve our compassion and leniency. However, is the answer to go against our constitution?

If the American people care about this issue we can vote in mass to take care of it. The corporate donor class has already spoken and their view is they want more "workers" to fill low level jobs in their corporations. Also, both political parties want those here illegally to be deemed legal, to gain future voters and appease their corporate donors.

So, if we as a nation, short of those who regret the fact that those from Mexico and South America have sidestepped our laws, want legalization, then why can't we do it legally and constitutionally? Why do we let our politicians wrap us up in emotional debates for their own gain? Why don't we let those who are charged with writing law, the congress, who have only been in office for a few weeks, reform the immigration law, based on what the American people, and corporations, want?

It is mind boggling to me that any US university would spend money on people here illegally when American citizens are overburdened by student debt and could use ANY amount of tuition help. Shame on UM and shame on any other college that would do such a thing.

It would be a shame doing otherwise. Those undocumented students who have the drive to attend our beloved UMD should be received with open arms because the road they have traveled was not easy. They should pay their way through college but they should not be charged out of state tuition.

This is an eye-opener for many who don't understand the Maryland Dream Act and the struggles these undocumented students go through. I hope the readers will become more aware and involved in this issue as I have after reading this article. Thank you for sharing!

Philadelphia Hand Doctor

You wrote "It would be a shame doing otherwise. Those undocumented students who have the drive to attend our beloved UMD should be received with open arms because the road they have traveled was not easy."
These students should be deported. They take up valuable resources that American citizens have earned.

My eyes are wide open. These people have come to the US illegally and they need to go back.

What about illegal don't you grasp?

Your eyes are shut down to the fact that every immigrant has a different story to tell. I was able to legalize my status through a family petition. Like many immigrants, I am waiting for a visa to be available. I know for a fact they are working on visa petitions from 2011. I applied in 2012. So, I wonder why I should go back.