SACRAMENTO—Assemblymember Evan Low (D-Silicon Valley) introduced legislation today to establish Dream Resource Centers at California’s public colleges and universities. AB 1622 will ensure college campuses offer a centralized location to provide specialized support services and resources for undocumented students.
“Now more than ever, undocumented students are facing uncertainty and confusion about their future,” said Assemblymember Evan Low. “Dream Resource Centers will ensure our campuses have knowledgeable staff who can help students focus on their academic and career goals.”
Nearly a quarter of a million California students are undocumented. According to a report by the UndocuScholars Project, many of these students report fears of deportation and concerns about financing their college education.
These students are often unaware of recent policy changes, such as Assembly Bill 540, the California Dream Act of 2011, and the federal deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals that could make graduation more attainable for them. Currently, the level of resources and services available to undocumented students varies among California’s public universities and colleges.
AB 1622 would require public campuses with more than 500 students to establish a center with specialized services and information for undocumented students. The services may include assistance with AB 540 in-state tuition, scholarships and grants, academic and career advising, and additional information.
"We applaud Assemblymember Low for introducing AB 1622 to ensure immigrant youth have access to a safe space as they pursue higher education," said Joseph Villela, Director of Policy and Advocacy at the Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights of Los Angeles.
