Gov. Quinn Signs Historic Illinois DREAM Act

Illinois Gov. Pat Quinn today signed the historic Illinois DREAM Act, which will give more education opportunities to children of immigrants in the state.

The monumental piece of legislation, also known as Senate Bill 2185, creates a privately funded scholarship program that will help Illinois high school students attend and afford college. In addition, the legislation will also create a commission of nine members as part of the DREAM Fund Commission to manage the funding and the program and will be appointed by Gov. Quinn.

Scholarships will be made available to Illinois high school students who have lived in their parents household while attending school. Eligible students must also receive their high school diploma, have at least one parent who immigrated to the U.S., and have attended high school in the state for at least three years.

Gov. Quinn commented on the importance of the DREAM Act in Illinois and the opportunities it will give Illinois students. Quinn said, "All children have the right to a first-class education. The Illinois DREAM Act creates more opportunities for the children of immigrants to achieve a fulfilling career, brighter future and better life through higher education."

Senate President John Cullerton, D-Chicago, who sponsored the bill along with Rep. Eddie Acevedo, D-Chicago, said, "We should be opening, not shutting doors of opportunity for young students regardless of how or why they are living in Illinois. This new law moves the state beyond the rhetoric of equal opportunity by making the dream of a college education a reality for more of Illinois' outstanding students."

The Huffington Post reported that the bill passed in the Illinois Senate by an overwhelming margin of 45-11, with 11 Republicans supporting the bill with 34 Democrats, in May. The bill has received support from many immigrant groups, including the Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights (ICIRR), because it awards privately-funded scholarships despite legal-status in the country.

Lawrence Benito, deputy director of the ICIRR, applauded the governor by saying, "We thank Governor Quinn for his continuous support and his tireless work for the immigrant community. The signing of this bill into law is historic and it confirms that Illinois is not only an immigrant-friendly state but also a national leader on moving fair, humane, and practical solutions."

Despite the overwhelming support for the Illinois DREAM Act, there are still opponents. According to the Chicago Tribune, opponents of the legislation state that it wrongly helps those who violate immigration laws in the country.

Rachel Bogart provides an in-depth look at current environmental issues and local Chicago news stories. As a college student from the Chicago suburbs pursuing two science degrees, she applies her knowledge and passion to both topics to garner further public awareness.