Download a pdf of this memorandum Steven A. Camarota is the
Director of Research at the Center for Immigration Studies. This
Memorandum examines the costs and likely impact of the DREAM Act
currently being considered by Congress. The act offers permanent
legal status to illegal immigrants up to age 35 who arrived in
the United States before age 16 provided they complete two years
of college. Under the act, beneficiaries would receive in-state
tuition. Given the low income of illegal immigrants, most can be
expected to attend state schools, with a cost to taxpayers in
the billions of dollars. As both funds and slots are limited at
state universities and community colleges, the act may reduce
the educational opportunities available to U.S. citizens. Among
the findings: - Assuming no fraud, we conservatively estimate
that 1.03 million illegal immigrants will eventually enroll in
public institutions (state universities or community colleges)
as a result of the DREAM Act. That is, they meet the residence
and age r