News Roundup – Tuesday, May 31

The Good
State House passes Illinois version of DREAM Act for children of immigrants
The House approved and sent to Gov. Pat Quinn legislation that allows privately funded college scholarships to undocumented students. The bill would also train high school counselors to assist undocumented children forward their educational career and allow families of the students to participate in the state’s two college tuition savings programs.

Dream Act bill for college funds advances
The Assembly Committee on Appropriations passed AB 131, a bill that would allow undocumented students eligible to apply for state grants, university scholarships and fee wavier.

Democrats Urge Obama for Immediate Immigration Reform
New  York Rep. Luis Gutierrez (D-Ill.), leads a group of Democrats urging President Obama to use his power now to stop deportations of students who would be eligible under the proposed DREAM Act.

Agriculture Calls For Action on Immigration Reform
Top administration official and the president of the nation’s largest farm organization teamed up to call for a comprehensive immigration system that deals with the 12 million people who are here, many of whom are working in our farm fields and to us to continue to enjoy the kind of agricultural production, the diversification in food, the affordable nature of the food we have in the United States.

The Bad
Efforts Underway To Repeal Md. Version Of DREAM Act
In Maryland, a local organization is pushing to repeal a recently enacted law, which grants in-state college tuition rates to undocumented students.

The Ugly
South Carolina house Passes “Immigration Reform”
The “Arizona-style” legislation that passed the House requires state and local law enforcement officers to verify the immigration status of individuals they arrest or stop for traffic violations – and to “complete a data collection form” regarding the “age, gender, and race or ethnicity” of each individual.