Assemblyman Fred W. Thiele, Jr. (I, D, WF, REF - Sag Harbor) announced that he helped pass the Jose Peralta New York State DREAM Act to help ensure the children of immigrants can achieve their college dreams (A.782). The legislation is named in honor of the late State Sen. Jose Peralta, who strongly championed the bill and who passed away in November. The Assembly Majority has passed it every year since 2013, never letting up in the fight to do what’s right.

“They may not have been born here, but ‘Dreamers’ are New Yorkers through and through,” said Assemblyman Thiele. “They grew up here, went to school here and they deserve the same opportunities to succeed as everyone else. New York is standing up for our immigrant communities, promoting equality and investing in our future. With new leadership in the state Senate, this is the year the DREAM Act becomes a dream come true.”

The legislation would allow undocumented college-bound students who meet certain eligibility requirements – such as attending high school in New York – to access the state Tuition Assistance Program (TAP) and other assistance programs, including the Higher Education Opportunity Program (HEOP), Education Opportunity Program (EOP), Collegiate Science and Technology Entry Program (C-STEP) and similar programs at community colleges.

Assemblyman Thiele noted that “Dreamers” have attended New York public schools and already qualify for in-state tuition at SUNY and CUNY colleges. It’s counterproductive and cruel to put a halt to their education this far into their academic journeys.

The bill also establishes a scholarship fund with private donations ­– the DREAM Fund – and expands access to the New York State College Tuition Savings (529) Program so children of undocumented immigrant parents with a valid taxpayer identification number can set up tuition savings accounts.

“This bill is about fairness and about doing right by the ‘Dreamers’ who’ve helped make New York the vibrant and diverse place that it is today,” said Assemblyman Thiele. “Instead of putting up barriers to unjustly punish children who did nothing wrong, we’re tearing them down to ensure all students – regardless of immigration status – are able to pursue a college degree.”