Gov. Perry and The Texas Dream Act

http://blog.chron.com/texassparkle/2011/06/gov-perry-and-the-texas-dream-act/ ^ | June 22, 2011 | Kathleen McKinley

[Cincinatus' Wife]

[snip]

It’s important to point out that there is a huge difference in the Texas Dream Act and the The Dream Act that was pushed in Congress and failed. The Dream Act in Congress was full of all kinds of goodies other than allowing children of illegals to receive in state tuition. The Texas Dream Act was focused only on that. I happen to agree with The Texas Dream Act, and so did everyone in the Senate in Texas. It passed with ZERO “no” votes. Add to that, it has been proven to be successful.

These are a few things you need to know about the Texas Dream Act. The child has to have lived in Texas the three years leading up to high school graduation. These students are given no special treatment in getting into Texas colleges and universities. They must get in on their own merit. They are paying the tuition (with or without financial aid). It’s estimated that these students make up about 1% of those entering college.

[snip]

Most of us agree that border control MUST be dealt with first. The problem with all other efforts on this issue in the past is that the borders were not sealed. If there is anyone who we can trust to do that it is Gov. Perry (if he decides to run for President). He knows what goes on down at the border. He has gone there many times. He knows what needs to be done. There is no doubt in my mind that if he were President, he would seal our borders. But Perry also understands Hispanic outreach.

[snip]

[JustAnotherOne]

“We did NOT bring them here.”
Cool. May you and your family be caught up in proving your citizenship and nationality. Have fun.
Other people brought “them” here. And you acquiesced.

[RWGinger]

Who am I supporting in the primary?
I do not know yet
By the time the primary rools around next year we will have learned a lot more about the candidates snd actually we will know who they are.
right now we have no idea who will still be running or who else might still run.

One thing I know, I will work for and vote for anyone who is running against 0dumbo

[Cincinatus' Wife]

One thing I know, I will work for and vote for anyone who is running against 0dumbo

Me too.

But you must like (or be leaning toward) one of the people in the line up, or have someone you'd like to get into the GOP primary. I'd appreciate some indication of your preference. You seem quite interested in the race.

[RWGinger]

I don’t have a preference yet. At first glance I like mny of them.
There are a few i don’t like; Gringrichfor the stupid way he has handled his campaign, Huntsman who is too much like McCain,Ron Paul , I like many of his views, others not so much.

The others all have some positives but I want to see more details on positions.

How about you?

[RitaOK]

There are two hang ropes here: One is the full scale invasion we are experiencing now. Anchor baby laws need to be temporarily effected to address it and current law must be enforced like yesterday. I say temporarily because we are dealing with an invasion that is nearly open warfare of a sort. I’m with you on that. When we begin to protect our borders and enforce our laws, we can return to civilized permissions for citizen birth like we do for every other country.

Two, however, addresses the pre-invasion generational oldsters who failed to apply for citizenship who NOW CAN NOT, because of the wholesale invaders which have ruined the process to citizenship.

[RWGinger]

WTF?
“Other people brought “them” here”

Who are these other people? More Illegal? cut off their benefits and jobs and let them go back.

and NO I did not acquiesce.I have tried with every elected official to get enforcement of our laws for years.

[zeugma]

I stand by my original statement. I don’t care if they were “raised here.” The are STILL Illegal Aliens. Send them home. And pitch them out of US Schools.

Amen.  Put them on planes and dump them off in SOUTHERN mexico. Make the walk back a long one.

[af_vet_rr]

If anybody would like to read Perry's full remarks from around that time, here is the speech, courtesy of the Governor's office.

While I won't support Perry for reasons I've stated many times elsewhere, I will admit, Perry is very compassionate - that speech shows that he cares a lot about people on both sides of the border.

He cares about learning the language of Mexico:

Thank you Senator Lucio. President Nevarez, UT-Pan American is to be commended for its vision and leadership in hosting this unprecedented border summit in the beautiful Texas town of Edinburg. My friends from Mexico, including Governor Tomas Yarrington Ruvalcaba of Tamaulipas, and Governor Fernando Canales Clariond of Nuevo Leon, it is an honor to be in your presence. I want to extend my gratitude to our Mexican neighbors for hosting me this July as I sought to learn one of the world’s great languages, Spanish. I enjoyed your hospitality, and was grateful for your patience as I worked on my vocabulary. No longer do I refer to “la verdad” as “la verdura.” I am delighted to see friends from the U.S. side of the border as well, including our distinguished members of the Legislature, and our county and city leaders along the border.

He sees the importance of working together with Mexico:

Today we begin a new dialogue about our shared future, a future of promising potential if we work together to solve the challenges we both face. It is fitting that we convene this summit where the great, meandering river known as the Rio Grande – or the Rio Bravo – forms the long border between Texas and Mexico. In years past, that famed body of water has been seen by many as a dividing point, If you were to walk along its banks and look to the other side, based on the stereotypes of the past, you would think you were seeing things a million miles away, instead of a stone’s throw away. But I am here today to say that while we have honest differences, there is more that unites us than divides us. The Rio Grande does not separate two nations, it joins two peoples. Mexico and the United States have a shared history, and a common future. And it is along this border where we will either fail or succeed in addressing the education, health care and transportation needs of our two peoples.

He cares about truckers:

The fruits of NAFTA have just begun to ripen. At the same time, we must not allow the roots of the tree to become poisoned. The NAFTA agreement not only signaled a new era of economic possibility, but a new era of bi-national cooperation. That is why it is wrong, and inherently detrimental to our relationship with Mexico for the U.S. Congress to pursue a protectionist policy that forbids Mexican trucks from U.S. roadways. It is bad public policy, and it violates the terms of the NAFTA agreement we agreed to. Mexican trucks that meet our safety standards should be given the same access to U.S. roads as our Canadian neighbors to the north.

He cares about healthcare for poor citizens:

There are other challenges that require a unified approach, especially in the area of health care. A lack of preventative medicine means conditions that could have been eliminated through childhood immunizations show up in disturbing numbers later in life. Limited availability of medical specialists means conditions like heart disease and diabetes go untreated at alarming rates. In Texas, we recently placed a strong emphasis on preventative care when we expanded access to Medicaid for more low-income children by making the Medicaid enrollment process simpler. We allocated an additional $4 billion to the Medicaid program, and more than $900 million to the Children’s Health Insurance Program. I urged legislators to pass a telemedicine pilot program that will enable, through technology, a sick border resident of limited financial means to receive care from a specialist hundreds of miles away. But the effort to combat disease and illness requires greater cooperative efforts between our two nations. It is a simple truth that disease knows no boundaries. An outbreak of drug-resistant tuberculosis, for example, endangers citizens of both our nations. We have much to gain if we work together to expand preventative care, and treat maladies unique to this region. Legislation authored by border legislators Pat Haggerty and Eddie Lucio establishes an important study that will look at the feasibility of bi-national health insurance. This study recognizes that the Mexican and U.S. sides of the border compose one region, and we must address health care problems throughout that region. That’s why I am also excited that Texas Secretary of State Henry Cuellar is working on an initiative that could extend the benefits of telemedicine to individuals living on the Mexican side of the border.

He cares about education:

As a compassionate state, we know that for our children to succeed, they must not only be healthy, but educated. The future leaders of our two nations are learning their fractions and their ABC’s in classrooms all along this border. Immigrants from around the world are being taught in Texas classrooms, and our history is rich with examples of new citizens who have made great contributions. We must say to every Texas child learning in a Texas classroom, “we don’t care where you come from, but where you are going, and we are going to do everything we can to help you get there.” And that vision must include the children of undocumented workers. That’s why Texas took the national lead in allowing such deserving young minds to attend a Texas college at a resident rate. Those young minds are a part of a new generation of leaders, the doors of higher education must be open to them. The message is simple: educacion es el futuro, y si se puede.

He cares about poor people:

We also know that poverty is not unique to either side of the border. Some of Texas’ poorest citizens live in colonias all along the border. They often lack basic infrastructure many of us take for granted. Just today, the North American Development Bank announced it will provide $6.3 million in funding to hook up colonia residents in six border cities to water and wastewater lines. More than 18,000 residents will benefit from these water or wastewater hookups. And this November, by approving Proposition 2, Texas voters can ensure that their neighbors in colonias have quality roads so that school buses, emergency vehicles and postal trucks can reach residents, and residents can get to a job or a school reliably.

He cares about making sure that everybody has access to both countries:

President Fox’s vision for an open border is a vision I embrace, as long as we demonstrate the will to address the obstacles to it. An open border means poverty has given way to opportunity, and Mexico’s citizens do not feel compelled to cross the border to find that opportunity. It means we have addressed pollution concerns, made substantial progress in stopping the spread of disease, and rid our crossings of illicit drug smuggling activity. Clearly we have a long way to go in addressing those issues. At the same time we must continue to deepen our economic ties, expanding opportunities for Mexican and U.S. companies to do business on both sides of the border. The outlook is promising, even if the road to prosperity is a long one. We share a bond as neighbors, and we find our culture north of the Rio Grande to be increasingly defined by the strong traits of people of Hispanic descent. Texas has long enjoyed a unique identity, an identity forged by an independent spirit, and the convergence of many different peoples. We must welcome change in the 21st Century as we have in every century before it. Today, as we look to the south, we see a rising sun. It is perched above a people whose best days are in front of them. Let us endeavor to make the most of this new day through a new dialogue. Let us work together to combat disease, expand trade and provide educational opportunities. If we do, there are no limits to what we can accomplish for the betterment of all of our citizens. Thank you, and God bless you.

The man cares about our border relations and Mexico, there is no doubt about that, and he has a point - Texas has historically been tied to Mexico in many areas.

[RWGinger]

? Didn’t we ofer wholesale amnesty in 86? It was supposed to be for the last time as we were supposed to enforce our borders and not let illegals stay here

It has been show in places where enforcement takes place illegals leave, many do go back. others go to states and cities who do not enforce laws.

Anchor babies, if the parents are illegal they should no get citizenship and then a lifetime of benefits
Now of course it is legal so we are screwed.

Then we get the sob stories of how can we deport a parent who has an anchor baby. Boo Hoo can’t let the parent go back and leave the anchor baby here all sob sob alone
Any parent who calls themselves a parent will want their children with them.

[Brookhaven]

I truly am sorry you are so confused Brookhaven. My best to you as time lets it sink in.

Why the a reluctance to give a simple, straightforward answer to a simple straignt forward question?

Are we talking about:

1. children who are here illegally--non-citizens
2. children who are American citizens (which would include "anchor babies" who are American citizens)

Is it really that hard to just reply 1 or 2?

As far as being from a border state, I'm from Georgia, I get it. Georgia has a significant illeal immigrant population. In some areas (Dalton, GA for example) the percentage of illegal residents is 40% of the total population.

Beyond that, if Perry is running for president, then how he has handled illegal immigration is pertinent and open for disucssion.

I've tried to ask pertinent questions and stay on subject. I haven't call anyone names or thrown mud. Why the hostility?

[SoConPubbie]

How's that AZ immigration law working for AZ?

There's more than one way to skin a cat.

Unless you have had your head in the sand, the US Supreme Court handed Obozo a defeat on this issue by declaring that states can pass legislation protecting their borders.

Furthermore, nothing Perry has done/suggested has been substantial or will do anything substantial to stem the flood of Illegals into Texas.

His own comments, including some of what you have posted on this page show him to be a GWB-type Open-Borders turd.

And you raced right past the fact that he stated he was against AZ1070, whether it is challenged in court or not, he was AGAINST IT.

Quit lying about your candidate and his OPEN BORDERS position.

[Cincinatus' Wife]

How about you?

I like Palin and I like Perry. TURN OUT is going to make or break this election.

imho - Paul can't win a national election. Huntsman is Romney lite. Romney thinks it's his to lose because the GOP establishment and the MSM are backing him. Gingrich always shoots himself in the foot (that's in his mouth). Santorum seems to have missed his window of opportunity. Cain is great but doesn't have the network to raise $$ and win. Bachmann isn't connecting with me, yet. Pawlenty lost me when he demured over "Obamneycare."

[zeugma]

And yet he still came out loud and clear against AZ1070 which would actually accomplishing something towards the goal of solving the Illegal Immigration problem.

This effectively makes every other largely symbolic statements/actions of no effect.

The one thing that would actually solve the problem he is against.

That should be an eye-opener for anyone seriously considering this conniving politician for POTUS 2012.

He is not an honest man!

Worth repeating. 

Perry is an opportunist who knows that it's almost impossible to be elected statewide in Texas as a democrat. That's why he went from being Al Gore's Texas campaign manager to pretending to be a republican to get elected.

[Cincinatus' Wife]

And yet he still came out loud and clear against AZ1070

And how is that AZ immigration law working out for AZ?

There is more than one way to skin a cat.

[moehoward]

I’m guessing that would be number 2........

[Cincinatus' Wife]

Perry is an opportunist who knows that it's almost impossible to be elected statewide in Texas as a democrat. That's why he went from being Al Gore's Texas campaign manager to pretending to be a republican to get elected.

And why did Ronald Reagan become a Republican?

Perry supported Al Gore in the 1988 presidential primary.

Perry crossed over to the Republican Party in 1989.

Now Perry says Al Gore has gone to Hell.

I think Tipper has told Al that too.

[Brookhaven]

Huntsman is Romney lite. Romney thinks it's his to lose because the GOP establishment and the MSM are backing him. Gingrich always shoots himself in the foot (that's in his mouth). Santorum seems to have missed his window of opportunity. Cain is great but doesn't have the network to raise $$ and win. Bachmann isn't connecting with me, yet. Pawlenty lost me when he demured over "Obamneycare."

The one thing you left out, is that any of these candidates in a one-on-one race with Obama (they as the GOP nominee vs Obama the Democrat nominee) would defeat Obama handily. And that's the real goal here, to defeat Obama, and why I think we already have a perfectly fine group of candidates. If someone else wants to jump in, great, but our current crop of candidates will get us to our goal--defeating Obama in 2012.

BTW, I agree with you about Ron Paul. He would lose to Obama, because his foriegn policy and social issues stances (although he is pro-life) are too far out on the edge. America will not elect an isolationists that advocates lealizing herion.

[Kandy Atz]

When you reward illegal activity, you get more illegal activity. When you give freebies, you get more people wanting even more freebies. I would think that lesson should have been learned quite well by now.

Illegal immigration is a huge drain on local, state and federal budgets. Their presence impacts education, courts, law enforcement, prisons, health care as well as impacting wages and employment.

What part of ILLEGAL do people have trouble understanding? There are people, including my friends, that immigrated legally from Mexico, that are still waiting in line for citizenship. I welcome all law abiding immigrants who are seeking a better life. All I ask is that they do it by the book and not jump the line.

Pandering is not a solution. Seal the borders and enforce the immigration laws. Unfortunately, we are yet again on that slippery slope towards another amnesty and then another tidal wave of illegal immigration will follow. If we can’t control our own border, we cease to be a nation.

BTW - How many spots are taken by illegal aliens in classrooms that might have gone to American citizens and Texas residents? How long before preferences or financial aid gets distributed based on race or immigration status?

[JustAnotherOne]

Here is a straightforward answer. The Federal Government grants visas (H1B, NAFTA, CAFTA, and others). Some individuals overstay their visa. There is also a thing called ITIN for foreign nationals to file taxes.
It is not hard. State governors and legislatures are not allowed to override Federal policy.
Fellow Americans that deride and castigate other Americans are not helpful.
I support Governor Perry as the Republican candidate.
Leadership

[RWGinger]

To answer your question The Texas Dream act applies to Illegals.
Anchor babies are legal, as the law stands now.

BTW in the original article it said only 1 % of students attending Texas universities and colleges are there due to the Dream Act.
There was no fact based research to back that up. I think it is higher and ANY financial aid given to an illegal is aid that is denied a legal student.