1          Ninth Senate                                                                 Spring Session

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3                                              In the Senate

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5                                              Resolution        #06-S010

6                                                                                            Authored By: Senator Ojeda

7                                                                                             

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10        Whereas: The ASLCSC Senate recommends supporting the D.R.E.A.M. Act,

11                        better known as the Development, Relief, and Education of Alien      

12                        Minors Act, and its substantial contribution to enabling more students to

13                        pursue a higher education in the United States.

14                       

15        Whereas: The D.R.E.A.M. Act, S. 1545, was introduced in July 13, 2003 by

16                        Senators Orrin Hatch (R-UT), Richard Durbin (D-IL), and co-sponsored

17                        by more than 45 other Senators.

18       

19        Whereas: This act is aimed to amend the Illegal Immigration Reform and   

20                        Immigrant Responsibility Act of 1996 (IIRIRA). The D.R.E.A.M. Act

21                        would remove the section of the IIRIRA that discourages states from

22                        providing in-state tuition to undocumented students.

23                        

24        Whereas: Equal educational opportunity for students is promoted throughout the

25                        country, but under today’s existing laws not all students are afforded an

26                        equal opportunity at receiving a higher education. The DREAM Act

27                        addresses the significant barriers that immigrant communities face when

28                        trying to help further the education of their children.   

29       

30        Whereas: Every year, approximately 50,000-65,000 undocumented students

31                        graduate from American high schools, with hopes and dreams of

32                        pursuing a higher education. Unfortunately, these students are unsure

33                        about their futures because they face limited prospects for completing

34                        their college education or working legally in the United States.

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36        Whereas: Education is the key to success. Without the enactment of the

37                        D.R.E.A.M. Act, many talented individuals will not have the

38                        opportunity to excel and develop their talents.

39       

40        Whereas: If enacted, the D.R.E.A.M. Act would cause a life-changing impact on

41                        the students who qualify, substantially increasing their future income,

 

 

 

 

 

 

42                        and consequently the amount of taxes they would pay, derived from

43                        their earnings.

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45        Whereas: The D.R.E.A.M. Act will help reduce drop out rates for high school

46                        students and encourage our children to strive for a higher education.

47       

48        Whereas: By removing major barriers to pursuing a higher education, more

49                        graduates will have the ability to fully participate in society, help 

50                        strengthen communities, and contribute to the economy. Consequently,

51                        this effect will create many positive externalities to the economy and

52                        society.

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54        Whereas: This enactment will bring more revenues from students who will be

55                        qualified to attend Lewis-Clark State College, while increasing diversity

56                        on campus.

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58        Whereas: This support for the ratification of the D.R.E.A.M. Act exhibits Lewis-

59                        Clark State College’s support for equal opportunities in higher

60                        education, and attracting bright talent.

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62        THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED BY THE ASLCSC SENATE:

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64        Section 1: That students of Lewis-Clark State College support the D.R.E.A.M.

65                         Act and its substantial contribution to enabling more students to pursue

66                         a higher education.

67       

68        Section 2: That this resolution be directed to Senators Larry Craig and Mike

69                         Crapo of the State of Idaho, the students of Lewis-Clark State College,

70                         President Dene Thomas, Provost Tony Fernandez, Leanne Parker, the

71                         Chair of Faculty Senate.

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73                   

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75        Section 3: This resolution will pass upon a two-thirds (2/3) vote of the

76                         ASLCSC Senate and the signature of the ASLCSC President.

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