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"There are hundreds of thousands of students in New York who have been condemned to a life of poverty simply because they were brought to the United States as children," Board of Regents Chancellor Merryl H. Tisch said. "They’re being denied opportunities that the rest of America takes for granted. It’s an on-going tragedy that not only hurts these students, it hurts our society. The New York State Dream Act passed in the Assembly today, which the Board of Regents has endorsed, can help end that tragedy. It should be the law of New York State."

"Young New Yorkers who are willing to work hard and study hard should not be denied educational opportunities simply on the basis of their immigration status," said State Education Commissioner John B. King, Jr. "Our goal is to make sure all students graduate ready for college or a career. Speaker Silver, Assembly Higher Education Committee Chair Glick, Assemblymember Moya, and their colleagues in the Assembly have taken the right step for those young New Yorkers. Now we hope the State Senate will take the same step and open the door of opportunity for thousands of young New York students."