Is The Dream Act Just a Dream?

http://www.nytimes.com/2012/03/13/opinion/dream-act-for-new-york.html?_r=1&partner=rssnyt&emc=rss

According to dictionary.com, one the definitions of a "dream" is an involuntary vision occurring to a person when they are awake. This involuntary vision could be anything from a personal goal to a universal freedom and for immigrants, The Dream Act accomplishes both. In this New York Times editorial, the writer talks about the challenges New York is facing right now with regards to The Dream Act. This Act would give immigrants the ability to go to college even if they are not a U.S. citizen. This open doors for them by making them eligible college education and military. Not only would it give them a chance to pursue a college career but also it would give them legal status, something most immigrants lack here in the U.S. Currently, New York is one of thirteen states give immigrants the chance to qualify for in state tuition but they do not qualify for financial aid from the government. California, New Mexico, and Texas are the only states that provide immigrants with financial aid from the government. New York though, is working to become the fourth state to do this. But just like all states, they are trying to overcome the legal challenges they face with immigrants and Senator Andrew Cuomo is standing back to review the procedures and guidelines of this bill. "It's hard to see why Cuomo would be hesitant to support these measures. It isn't the expense." So what is it then?
If I had to take guess as to why Cuomo is not proceeding with this bill, it's due to the controversy it would cause. Back when minorities were starting to go to college to gain an education, it was difficult. The change that society experienced was radical as women changed their roles of home makers to first class workers. The same concept applies to immigrants. People view them as being low on the education radar and not knowledgeable enough of the country's past or present. But why keep immigrants from an education when America itself supports and even advertises the fact that they allow foreigners into this country? The point of this Dream Act is to change the way we've been doing things and start providing people with a resource that is necessary to get a higher paying job. The reason why immigrants came here was to learn more and attain a better life not only for themselves but for their children. There children have no control over their nationality but they can control how far their schooling takes them. If they want to pursue a higher degree of learning, then the Dream Act should be passed by the states. These types of immigrants obviously want to make the change in their lifestyles and the government needs to recognize that.
Not only do people worry about this law but they also worry about things such affirmative action. This already gives immigrants the upper hand with regards to jobs but people can't imagine what it will do with regards to college. If the colleges were to choose between the Hispanic and the white child, they would choose the Hispanic due to their nationality. People view this as unfair because if their child, who is not the minority, is working hard, why can't they be chosen. There obviously has to be a balance in which immigrants can't be awarded based on who they are. They also have to show that they are willing to work hard like everyone else. This argument has come about more than a few times within government and it always has the same outcome: discrimination. Again, the Dream Act would promote an image that is not based on discrimination against other races but an image based on hard work and merit. Personally, if immigrants were willing to come into a new country and start a new life, they're probably willing to work hard and get an education for their own well being.