In 2010, as the U.S. Congress took up the Federal DREAM Act, a small group of undocumented students and allies from Connecticut met to discuss what they should do. The proposed legislation would allow them the life-changing opportunity to apply for legal permanent residency. They organized a statewide summit, joined the national advocacy network, United We Dream, and brought their voices to Washington.
Connecticut Students for a Dream (C4D) was born from this advocacy work. Although the DREAM Act was ultimately defeated, C4D has continued its fight to better the lives of immigrants and won legislative victories at the state level.
“After the DREAM Act failed, we did not lose hope,” says C4D Lead Organizer Lucas Codognolla. “We said, ‘Let’s fight locally.’”
That strategy was rewarded this month as the Connecticut House of Representatives passed legislation that opens state financial aid to undocumented immigrants living in the state brought here as children. The aid comes from a pool of funds that all students, including undocumented students, contribute to through their tuition payments. Continue reading.
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