Although the DREAM (Development, Relief, and Education for Alien Minors) Act failed passage in Congress, immigrant rights supporters in Connecticut press forward with their desire to make higher education affordable to students regardless of their legal status.
Last Saturday, a rally was held in New Haven in support of legislation introduced at the Capitol that will give undocumented immigrants the chance to attend public universities at in-state tuition rates. Ten states already have similar laws to what's being proposed in Connecticut and a similar proposal was approved by the general assembly in 2007. Unfortunately, the bill was vetoed by then Governor Rell. With a new governor in office who has stated that he would sign the measure if it made it to his desk, immigrant right activists are hopeful that their proposal will finally become law.
As a strong advocate for immigrant rights, I can't tell you the number of times I've listened to stories of undocumented students who are being punished by the system simply because they were came to this country at a young age. Being denied access to higher education at the same rates as other in-state students because of your legal status makes no sense. For the children of undocumented immigrants, many of whom were brought to this country as infants, this country is the only home they know. To punish individuals from accessing higher education due to the actions of their parents is simply inhumane.
For those who are unfamiliar with this issue, I encourage you to view the following video and listen to the people who spoke in support of this bill. People like Mariano Cardoso, a 22 year old undocumented college student who faces a voluntary deportation although he's lived in the United States since he was 22 months old. Or María and Lorella Praeli, sisters from Peru who describe the struggles undocumented students and parents go through in order to get a college education.
After viewing the video, hopefully you'll have a better appreciation for the those in support of Connecticut's version of the DREAM Act.
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On September 26, 2007, ten plaintiffs filed suit in response to an arrest of aday laborers at a public park in Danbury, Connecticut. Plaintiffs amended their complaint on November 26, 2007.
The amended complaint states that plaintiffs sought to remedy the continued discriminatory and unauthorized enforcement of federal immigration laws against the Latino residents of the City of Danbury by Danbury's mayor and its police department.
Plaintiffs allege that the arrests violated their Fourth Amendment rights and the Connecticut Constitution because defendants conducted the arrests without valid warrants, in the absence of exigent circumstances, and without probable cause to believe that plaintiffs were engaged in unlawful activity. In addition, plaintiffs allege that defendants improperly stopped, detained, investigated, searched and arrested plaintiffs. Plaintiffs also allege that defendants violated their Fourteenth Amendment rights when they intentionally targeted plaintiffs, and arrested and detained them on the basis of their race, ethnicity and perceived national origin. Plaintiffs raise First Amendment, Due Process and tort claims.
Plaintiffs request declaratory relief, damages and attorneys fees.
On September 26, 2007, ten plaintiffs filed suit in response to an arrest of aday laborers at a public park in Danbury, Connecticut. Plaintiffs amended their complaint on November 26, 2007.
