This post from Make the Road New York was revised on March 28 at 9:30am.
TODAY: Long Island Immigrant Students and Advocates to Protest Senator Lee M. Zeldin’s Lack of Action To Promote Passage of DREAM Legislation in Albany
Who:
Immigrant Students and Long Island Community Residents
Make the Road New York
New York State DREAM Coalition
Office of NY State Assemblymember Phil Ramos (to be confirmed)
Suffolk County Legislator Ricardo Montano (to be confirmed)
What:
Immigrant students and community residents from Long Island hold press conference to express community’s frustration with Senator Zeldin’s lack of action to secure the passage of DREAM legislation, which would expand access to financial aid to all young people in his district
When:
Wednesday, March 28, noon
Where:
In front of Senator Lee M. Zeldin’s office in Ronkonkoma
4155 Veterans Highway, Suite 5
Ronkonkoma, NY 11779
Why:
With great sadness and frustration young people and allies from Make the Road New York and the New York State DREAM Coalition will hold a press conference to denounce Senator Zeldin’s lack of action to promote the inclusion of DREAM legislation in this year’s state budget. Senator Zeldin represents one of the largest Latino communities in Long Island, and one that stands to benefit from the New York DREAM Act and DREAM Fund. Yet he has chosen to sit on the sidelines as bright young people in his district are unable to attend college because they do not have access to financial aid.
The New York State DREAM Coalition brings together groups representing undocumented students across the city and state, community groups, unions, issue-based lobbying groups, non-profits, and concerned individuals to advocate for increased access to educational resources for undocumented students.
A supporter of the New York DREAM Act at a March 14 rally in Albany. (Credit: Ted Hesson)
Where Congress has failed, New York must act. Passing DREAM legislation will remove unjust barriers to higher education for some of the most talented young New Yorkers. Ensuring a brighter future for these DREAMers is the best investment our state can make and will enable New York to continue to lead the world with the most educated and innovative young talent.
The office of Governor Cuomo announced the passage of the state budget on Tuesday, March 27, but the budget did not include the Dream legislation.
This event is co sponsored by the Long Island Immigrant Students Association, Long Island Jobs with Justice, New York Communities for Change, 1199 SEIU United Healthcare Workers East, Long Island Wins, St. Ann’s Parish Outreach Office, and more.
Karina Claudio-Betancourt is a community organizer for Make the Road New York.
