Dream Act Supporters Hold Rally At Morgan State University
BALTIMORE (WJZ) -- Powerful new support for the controversial measure to give illegal immigrants' children in-state tuition. Faith leaders from across Maryland rally with students, appealing to voters less than a month before Election Day.
Kai Jackson has more on the tuition breaks and why some say they're a bad idea.
The Dream Act is one of many issues on the ballot in November. The lines have been drawn with those who support it and those against it.
When supporters of the Dream Act held a rally over the weekend, it was clear they believe final passage of the measure will help promote life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.
"I think that the way I want to give back to society is getting educated and becoming a doctor and save thousands of lives," said Ricardo Campos from El Salvador.
The Dream Act, signed into law last year, allows undocumented students to attend college at the same tuition rate as legal students in Maryland.
"Just to have the University of Maryland or any other school in the system help me out with tuition would allow me to pursue my dream of legal studies," said Joel Sati from Kenya.
Even though it was passed and signed into law, a petition forced the issue to become ballot question #4 in next month's election.
"We're here to support the Dream Act as a fair measure," said Archbishop William Lori.
Now members of the clergy in the Baltimore area are supporting the Dream Act and urging voters to support it.
"It gives them the access to this education that is so important, but it doesn't take away the access for any current Maryland citizen," said St. John's Lutheran Church Pastor Maria Hammons.
Maryland Delegate Pat McDonough opposes the Dream Act and disputes a new study saying it would benefit Maryland economically.
"I don't support the governor turning Maryland into a Disneyland for illegal aliens," McDonough said.
The rally of clergy was held Wednesday night at the Morgan State University chapel.
