A New Jersey Reader Says "No Way, No How" On The Dream Act

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From: Lou Ward (e-mail him)

Re: Nicholas Stix's Blog: Amnesty On The Installment Plan

According to Nicholas Stix's blog and the New York Daily News story he linked to written by immigration lawyer Allan Wernich, a piecemeal amnesty—an approach already squelched in 2007 during much more favorable economic conditions—-might be in the offing with the Dream Act representing phase one. [Barack Obama Should Take Three Strong Steps Toward True Immigration Reform, by Allan Wernich, New York Daily News, December 3, 2008]

Here's the real life picture.

The Dream Act would allow illegal alien children to pay in-state tuition rates, yet another benefit provided to them on top of the free ride they just completed during their K-12 education.

But most states are currently running deficits that range from $1 billion (in my New Jersey) to $40 billion in California. [New Jersey's Budget Deficit Soars to $1.2 Billion, by Clare Heininger and Dustan McNichol, Star-Ledger, November 13, 2008]

The Dream Act would represent a kind of unfunded federal mandate that drives state budgets further into the hole.

By allowing an incoming illegal alien freshman to occupy one of the limited numbers of available university seats that could otherwise potentially go to an American student from out of state (who pays about two times as much in tuition costs) the Dream Act could quickly evolve into another state government nightmare.

Governors broke from coast-to-coast already have their hands extended for federal bailout money. [Stimulus Plan Would Give States $200 Billion, by Dennis Cauchon, USA Today, January 26, 2009]

Congressional representatives, assuming they want to maintain at least a civil working relationship with their states' governors, would be unwise to support more illegal alien handouts.

With states cutting employees and vital services across the board, a  "yea" vote on the Dream Act would be political suicide.

No matter how I analyze it, no way no how do I see the Dream Act passing.

Ward is a credit analyst at a major New York-based financial institution that was, until recently, held in high regard. His previous letter about Freedom of Speech is here.