Dear friend,
When my grandmother came to this country, she and her sisters opened a tailoring shop here in New York called the "Misses Briganti." Despite the odds, it succeeded. That three immigrant women could start their own business in the city is a testament to the American Dream. Unfortunately, that dream is not so accessible today.
Supporting opportunity for New Yorkers--no matter how they arrived in this country--is an important part of moving our city and our country forward. That's why I'm proud to tell you about a new initiative we are working on to help undocumented students called the Dream Fellowship Program.
For the 65,000 undocumented students who graduate high school each year, lack of citizenship or legal immigration status puts up a roadblock between them and that dream. It is impossible to secure college loans, and nearly as hard to find work that would help pay their way through college.
Our best hope for these students, the DREAM Act, failed to pass the U.S. Senate last year. We simply can't wait for action from Washington.
That's why our Fund for Public Advocacy, headed by our own Reshma Saujani, has partnered with the New York Immigration Coalition to provide scholarships for ten exceptional undocumented students through the Dream Fellowship Program.
Read more about our initiative here: Reshma Saujani and Bill de Blasio on the American Dream
Until recently, the city used to fund a similar program, but it was scrapped due to budget cuts.
By investing in these students' education, we also stand to benefit from their future economic success. We will spend less on services they would otherwise need to stay afloat. And immigrant entrepreneurs will be more likely to spark job creation.
We can't wait for Congress to act or local budgets to be restored. Whether you're new to this country or your family has been here for generations, the American Dream should still be in reach. This program is a powerful step in the right direction.
Thank you,
Bill de Blasio