Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass a bill that establishes the New York DREAM Fund Commission and authorizes certain undocumented immigrants to apply for tuition assistance.

Highlights:

• Establishes the New York DREAM Fund Commission and authorizes it to perform certain duties, including, but not limited to, the following (Secs. 1 & 2):
• To “advance” the educational opportunities of children of immigrants;
• To create and raise funds for the New York DREAM Fund;
• To establish procedures for accepting and evaluating applications for scholarships from the New York DREAM Fund.

• Specifies that for an individual to be eligible to receive a scholarship from the DREAM fund, they must meet the following qualifications (Sec. 2):
• The individual has at least 1 parent or guardian who immigrated to the United States;
• The individual resided with his or her parents or guardians while attending an in-state  high school; and
• The individual attended an in-state high school for at least 2 years before graduating or receiving the equivalent of a high school diploma.

• Prohibits state funds from being used for the commission and the DREAM fund (Sec. 2).

• Specifies that certain individuals are eligible for a general higher education award, including, but not limited to, undocumented immigrants, if the individual meets certain criteria, including, but not limited to, the following (Secs. 4 & 5):
• The individual attended an in-state high school or program for at least 2 years before graduating or receiving the equivalent of a high school diploma;
• The individual applies for attendance at an institution of higher education for undergraduate studies within 5 years of receiving a high school diploma or equivalency, or for graduate studies within 10 years of receiving a high school diploma or equivalency; and
• The individual files an affidavit stating that the individual has or will file an application to legalize their immigration status as soon as they are eligible to do so.

• Authorizes an applicant for a family tuition account to list the applicant’s and beneficiary’s individual taxpayer identification numbers in lieu of a social security number or employer tax identification number (Secs. 15 & 16).

Full Bill Text