Every year over 65,000 undocumented students graduate from college, but unlike other students they do not qualify for in-state tuition or many other support services. Due to the lack of support many of them are limited to living in the shadows, diminishing their possibilities and the changes for developing their true potential. This handicap is not only detrimental to them but also to society as many skilled job go unfilled every year, limited the United States economic growth. GAPSA recently passed a resolution in favor of undocumented immigrants and is doing what it can to increase the support that is available to them at the University of Minnesota
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RESOLUTION: University of Minnesota Graduate and Professional Student Assembly – University of Minnesota in Support of the Federal DREAM Act and Institutionalized Aid (Modeled after a UCLA undergraduate student governance resolution from 2010)
February 13, 2013
Author: Alfonso Sintjago, Executive Vice President, Brittany Edwards, President
Topic: Public Affairs
Whereas, the Graduate and Professional Student Assembly works to fairly represent student interests, needs, and welfare.
Whereas, the UMN Student Development Goals supports Appreciation of Differences
Whereas, the fee and tuition increases within the UMN system cause undocumented students to be among the most vulnerable to extreme academic and financial pressure.
Whereas, each year, more than 65,000 undocumented students graduate from high school in the United States.
Whereas, these undocumented students regardless of their hard work, dedication, and years in the United States, are still ineligible for any form of university-related scholarships, federal loans, grants, or work study.
Whereas, the Development, Relief and Education for Alien Minors Act, or the Federal DREAM Act, is a bipartisan bill that seeks to recognize the hard work of undocumented students and provide equitable access to education.
Whereas, the Federal DREAM Act currently has 40 co-sponsors in the Senate and 154 in the House of Representatives.
Whereas, the DREAM Act provides undocumented individuals of good, moral character who have lived in the United States for at least 5 years and attend a 2- or 4-year university a path to conditional permanent residency after completing their college degree within a six (6) year period.
Whereas, this bill aids in alleviating the financial hardship of a college education by providing undocumented students access to financial aid in the form of loans and work-study.
Whereas, the DREAM Act is at a critical state in the federal legislative system and all measures to support the undocumented population at UMN should be sought out.
Whereas, the DREAM Act has been in the Senate Judiciary committee and both Minnesota Senators Klobuchar and Franken have the political power to bring it to a vote.
Whereas, we ask that the University Of Minnesota Board Of Regents allow all students access to institutionalized financial aid.
Be it resolved, that GAPSA supports student efforts and endorses the passage of the Federal DREAM Act.
Be it resolved, that GAPSA urges Senators Klobuchar and Franken to bring the DREAM Act up to a vote in the Senate Judiciary committee.
Be it further resolved, that GAPSA urges the University of Minnesota Board Of Regents to approve institutionalized financial aid to all students – regardless of race, creed, economic background, legalization status, and country of origin, restricted to students who came to the US before being sixteen.
Be it finally resolved, that GAPSA urges UMN students, faculty and administration to support these national and statewide initiatives that support the undocumented student population at UMN.
