This editorial says much of the grant money available doesn't get claimed and the undocumented students should get it if their grades are high enough. If the state paid for their high school education and they are doing well in school, you would think it would want them to go to college. DP
Mercury News Editorial
mercurynews.com: Without increasing the student aid budget, California could help undocumented high school graduates pursue a college education.
The "California Dream Act," SB 160 by Sen. Gil Cedillo, D-Los Angeles, would extend eligibility for Cal Grants and community college fee waivers to undocumented students who've attended a state high school for three years; these students already qualify for in-state tuition but not for state or federal aid.
This is a good investment for the state. Brought across the border illegally by their parents, these young people grew up in California. They'll work in California, pay taxes, use services and raise children. Whether they manage to become legal citizens or not, they aren't going away. With a small investment, the state can help swell the ranks of programmers, nurses and technicians.
Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger vetoed last year's version of the bill, saying it's unfair to give aid to undocumented students when there's not enough for citizens and legal residents.
In response, Cedillo plans to amend SB 160 to let undocumented students apply only for community college fee waivers and "entitlement" Cal Grants, which are guaranteed to high school graduates with a minimum C average who demonstrate financial need. In recent years, more than a third of the money allocated in this category has gone unclaimed, points out Cedillo. The estimated cost of fee waivers and Cal Grants for undocumented students is a tiny fraction of the funds budgeted and unspent.
Be sure to read the rest of this story! This is only a small part of it.
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