'American Dream' bill addresses tuition for illegal immigrants
Ventura County Star 3/16/07
When she graduated in 2004, Quintero had a 3.8 GPA, was a member of several community groups and was even recognized by the city of Oxnard for her local political activism.
But for all of her accolades, there was one dream still out of reach for Quintero: Because of her undocumented status, she couldn't afford to attend a four-year university.
Since students without legal status can't apply for state or federal financial aid, Quintero works in a bridal shop while taking a full load of classes at Oxnard College.
"I already feel stressed because the tuition for a university is maybe triple what I pay now," Quintero, 21, said.
"It's very difficult because I have already done so much for the community. If I put my résumé up compared to someone who is a legal resident, I would beat them in the job market. But because I am not a legal resident, they already beat me. It's frustrating."
Quintero joined other undocumented students, educators and a representative of Congresswoman Lois Capps, D-Santa Barbara, on Thursday at Oxnard College during a news conference about the American Dream Act, a bill that would give permanent residency status to students who came to the United States illegally as children and who have since stayed in the country.
The bill was introduced in the House of Representatives on March 1 and in the Senate five days later and is being reviewed by committees.
According to Alicia Flores, executive director of La Hermandad-- — a nonprofit advocacy group for immigrant issues — there are about 65,000 undocumented students nationwide like Quintero whose potential is stymied because of their legal status and financial constraints.
"There is a backlog of students who have been waiting for 14 to 20 years to get their visas," Flores said.
"These students who graduate from high school want to get their legal status and continue their education."
Gloria Lopez, Oxnard College Extended Opportunity Programs and Services counselor, said students who do apply to community college only take a few classes instead of a full load because of cost.
About 50 percent of Oxnard College students receive fee waivers through the state or EOPS, but for undocumented students, the financial burden of transferring to a university can be daunting for many, Lopez said.
Although it is unclear how many students in Ventura County are undocumented, the District Attorney's Office estimates about 9 percent of the undocumented immigrant population in the county is 18 years old or under, said Denis O'Leary, League of United Latin American Citizens education representative.
Quintero, who came to California with her family from Mexico when she was 3 months old, urged the audience to support the American Dream Act and to get involved with the political process.
"I have struggled a lot," she said. "A lot of us have dreams, but those doors are closed right now."