Myths/Arguments regarding the
Maryland Dream Act

• “If this passes, immigrant students will displace U.S. citizens.” Community colleges have open enrollment and no displacement will occur.  According to the Maryland University System there are sufficient slots for the new incoming students.  Yet, even though this is the case, it should be noted that the youth eligible for the bill would not be counted in the ratio set aside for in-state tuition rates.

• It would be expensive for Maryland.  Senate President Mike Miller stated during the hearings on the bill that while there would be a cost to the state if the bill were to pass, the fiscal effect is confusing because there would also be revenues coming back to the state in new taxes and savings from the reduced cost of social services.  According to a RAND study, a typical 30-year-old Mexican immigrant woman with a college degree would pay $5,300 more in taxes and use $3,900 less in government services each year compared to a high-school dropout with similar characteristics. This amounts to an annual fiscal benefit of $9,000 every year.

Why is the MD Dream bill important to Maryland?

• Reduce economic disparity. Access to higher education decreases economic disparity. Once K-12 was enough education to ensure a person a good paying job with benefits, but those days are over.

• Reward youth who study hard in school.  No matter what you think about immigration, it is wrong to punish children.  Currently, many youth are discouraged from studying hard or remaining in high school because they are not eligible for in-state tuition. If studying hard is not rewarded, it can lead to an increase in high school dropouts and illegal activity.

• Current Campaigns / MD Dream Act
   
• Eligibility requirements for the Maryland DREAM Bill