Dream Act legislation could complicate student aid picture - All ...

Despite the passions, many financial aid experts say they expect little displacement of legal students by illegal immigrants if Brown signs the bill. Many as well argue that the costs will be relatively small, nevertheless the investment will reap substantial returns for state taxpayers — who already are legally required to pay for schooling through high school regardless of students’ immigration status.

She said the Dream Act would not affect U.S. citizens or legal residents receiving funds from the state’s biggest pot of college financial aid, the $1.3-billion Cal-Grant entitlement program. Those grants are unlimited and given to everyone who meets the academic and low-income requirements, she said. Last year, the aid commission made available an average $4,500 grant to all 372,565 eligible applicants — an increase of more than 145,000 students in three years.

“It’s just unfortunate in this downturn economy that individuals are clashing over the same sources of money,” she said.