College is More Than Just a Dream

JOYCE LAM
Editor in Chief

As a senior, I’m beginning to prepare for my post-secondary education, which includes worrying about the financial aspects of pursuing education at a college or university. In October, Governor Jerry Brown signed the California Dream Act, enabling many illegal immigrants to have a chance at receiving financial aid to attend colleges and universities. The new law would require up to $14.5 million a year in state grants to help illegal immigrants pay for college. Yes, we’re giving opportunities, but, Governor Brown, did you really think this through?
I applaud the governor for caring about the education of illegal immigrants who want a better future. My problem isn’t that we are opening doors; what I find really daunting is the fact that we are in a financial crisis, where college tuition is constantly soaring, where many services have been cut to legal residents and yet our state still has the money to provide state grants for illegal immigrants.
Though these students must graduate from California high schools after attending a school in the state for at least three years, prove that they are in the process of applying to legalize their immigration status, show financial need and meet academic standards, I’m not convinced that this is beneficial to other California students who need just as much financial aid as immigrants do. I’m sure that Governor Brown had very good intentions, but I definitely feel uneasy when I have to think about the costs that come with college. As the thought of paying for my soon-to-be college education creeps closer and closer, I realize how fortunate it would be to receive a small percentage of the whopping $14.5 million.