The Illinois DREAM Act is designed to help children of immigrants obtain higher education, even if they are undocumented. Receiving a scholarship and being able to start college can help you begin building a better life. Although the Illinois DREAM Act does not offer a path to citizenship, being a college student or a college graduate may eventually help you as you pursue legal residency. You should be aware that Illinois’ DREAM Act is different than the federal DREAM Act, which offers a path to citizenship for certain undocumented young people who entered the country as children. Many young adults and high school-aged minors residing in Illinois will qualify for some benefits under both. A DuPage County, IL immigration lawyer can help you apply for a DREAM Act scholarship.
How the Illinois DREAM Act Works
Any immigrant youth, regardless of status, can receive benefits under the Illinois DREAM Act. There are two ways the act can help immigrant students – you can receive a scholarship or participate in a college savings program, and you can get a driver’s certificate. A driver’s certificate is not the same as a driver’s license, but it can allow you to legally drive a vehicle in the state of Illinois.