Sen. Sandack Clarifies Info on DREAM Act

State Sen. Ron Sandack (R-Downers Grove) is seeking to clear-up misconceptions and misinformation surrounding legislation that has become known as the Illinois DREAM Act, which passed the Senate Wednesday afternoon. 

“It is important to clarify that this bill is not an immigration bill. It does not grant any sort of legal citizenship status,” Sandack clarified. 

Senate Bill 2185 requires the Illinois Student Assistance Commission to create an Illinois DREAM Fund that will provide scholarships funded entirely from private contributions.  A potential recipient must meet residency and educational requirements in order to receive the assistance. 

“This legislation specifies that the recipient of educational assistance through the Illinois DREAM Fund have at least one parent who immigrated to the country. This bill is in no way affiliated with the Federal DREAM Act.”

The legislation also provides for educational training for school counselors regarding higher education opportunities for undocumented immigrants, as well as specifying that college savings programs must be made available to those with a valid social security number or taxpayer identification number.   

Sen. Sandack supported the legislation which will now move to the House of Representatives for consideration.