Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout55A - FEDERAL DREAM ACTREQUEST FOR COUNCIL ACTION CITY COUNCIL MEETING DATE: JULY 20, 2009 TITLE: RESOLUTION SUPPPORTING THE FEDERAL DREAM ACT CITY ANAGER RECOMMENDED ACTON CLERK OF COUNC{L USE ONLY: APPROVED ^ As Recommended ^ As Amended ^ Ordinance on isi Reading ^ Ordinance on 2"d Reading ^ Implementing Resolution ^ Set Public Hearing For, CONTINUED TO FILE NUMBER Consider adopting a resolution expressing support for the Development, Relief, and Education for Alien Minors Act (S. 729), (H.R. 1751) (DREAM) Act. DISCUSSION At its June 8 meeting, Councilmember Martinz requested the Council to direct the City Attorney to prepare a resolution in support of this pending legislation. The DREAM Act, formally known as the Development, Relief, and Education for Alien Minors Act (S. 729)in the US Senate and the American Dream Act (H.R. 1751)in the House of Representatives, would: 1. grant to the States the option to provide in-state tuition benefits to students regardless of immigration status; 2. Specify that students covered by the Act would be eligible for certain Federal education loan programs; and, 3. Grant regular lawful permanent resident status at the end of a the six year conditional period, if, during the conditional period, the immigrant maintained a good moral character, and complied with at least one of the following: a) graduated from a 2-year college or vocational college or completed two year's studies toward a bachelor's 55A-1 Resolution Supporting the 2009 Dream Act Page 2 or higher degree; b} served in the U.S. Armed forces for at least 2 years. FISCAL IMPACT There is no fiscal impact associated with this item. 55A-2 RESOLUTION NO. 2009-XXX A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SANTA ANA ENDORSING THE FEDERAL DREAM ACT OF 2009. BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SANTA ANA AS FOLLOWS: Section 1. The City Council of the City of Santa Ana hereby finds, determines and declares as follows: A. The City of Santa Ana is home to many immigrants, documented and undocumented, from all over the world. B. Students in the United States are denied access to and prevented from pursuing their dreams of going to college each year because they have no legal residency status. C. Current Federal Law discourages states from providing in-state tuition without regard to immigration status. D. Current Federal Law denies the petition of undocumented immigrant students who have grown up in the United States who apply for legal residency. E. Despite the fact that many of these children have grown up in the U.S., attended local schools, and have demonstrated a sustained commitment to succeed in the educational system, immigration laws provide no avenue for these students to become legal residents. F. Many of these children were brought to the U.S. by their parents at an age at which they were too young to understand the legality of their arrival or lack of departure in the case of those who over-stay a visa. G. The DREAM Act, also known as the Development, Relief, and Education for Alien Minors Act (S. 729), was introduced on March 26, 2009, by Senators Dick Durbin and Richard Lugar in the Senate. This bill would allow immigrant students who have grown up in this country, graduated from high school, and have no criminal record, to go to cottage and legalize their immigration status. Resolution No. 2009-XXX 55A-3 Page 1 of 3 H. In the House of Representatives, the bill is called the American Dream Act (H.R. 1751), and it was introduced that same day by Representatives Howard Berman, Lincoln Diaz-Balart, and Lucille Roybal-Allard. I. The DREAM Act would: 1. Grant to the States the option to provide in-state tuition benefits to students regardless of immigration status; 2. Specify that students covered by the Act would be eligible for certain Federal education loan programs; and, 3. Grant regular lawful permanent resident status at the end of a the six year conditional period, if, during the conditional period, the immigrant maintained a good moral character, and complied with at least one of the following: a) graduated from a 2-year college or vocational college or completed two year's studies toward a bachelor's or higher degree; b) served in the U.S. Armed forces for at least 2 years. Section 2. The City Council of the City of Santa Ana urges the Congress to pass the DREAM Act and President Obama to sign it into law. Section 3. The Clerk of the Council is directed to forward this Resolution to appropriate federal elected offrcials. Section 4. This Resolution shall take effect immediately upon its adoption by the City Council, and the Clerk of the Council shall attest to and certify the vote adopting this Resolution. ADOPTED this day of 2009. Miguel A. Pulido Mayor APPROVED AS TO FORM: Joseph W. Fletcher, City Attorney Resolution No. 2049-XXX Page 2 of 2 55A-4 AYES: Councilmembers NOES: Councilmembers ABSTAIN: Councilmembers NOT PRESENT: Councilmembers CERTIFICATE OF ATTESTATION AND ORIGINALITY I, PATRICIA E. HEALY, Clerk of the Council, do hereby attest to and certify the attached Resolution No. 2009-XXX to be the original resolution adopted by the City Council of the City of Santa Ana on Date: Clerk of the Council City of Santa Ana Resolution No. 2009-XXX 55A-5 Page 3 of 3 55A-6