Hernandez Pass Legislation to Support Dreamers Pursuing Higher Education in Illinois

CICERO, Ill. — State Rep. Elizabeth “Lisa” Hernandez, D-Cicero passed legislation enabling Illinois residents to send money overseas to be able to donate to help financially support Dreamers pursuing higher education.
“This bill is a step towards supporting the dreams and aspirations of our young people by providing opportunities for all of our students, regardless of their country of origin,” Hernandez said. “I believe that no one should be held back from pursuing their dreams because of a lack of resources.”

Illinois families sending a portion of their income to individuals living outside of the United States will now be given the opportunity to also support the Illinois DREAM Fund. A fund providing scholarships to children of immigrants who want to pursue higher education but face financial hardships because they are not otherwise eligible for federal grants when applying to colleges in the United States. House Bill 3233 allows currency exchange customers sending money overseas to voluntarily round up the transaction fees to the nearest dollar to financially support the DREAM Fund. Coming at no additional cost to taxpayers but rather permits willing individuals to offer whatever financial assistance they want to the DREAM fund.

“Despite their aspirations and academic potential, our Dreamers are faced with limited access to financial resources because they are not ineligible for certain federal grants and scholarships,”
said Hernandez. “Through this legislation, we are creating opportunities for all Illinois students.