JERSEY CITY COMMUNITY TO PACK CITY HALL IN SUPPORT OF TUITION EQUITY FOR NJ DREAMers

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WHO: Anakbayan NJ, NJ Dream Act Coalition, NJ United Students, American Friends Service Committee, Action 21, Mujeres Unidas En Accion, St. Peter’s University Social Justice Program, New Jersey City University Gothic Knights Grassroots, and community at large
WHAT: On February 27th, a city resolution will be introduced to the Jersey City Council pressing Governor Christie and the NJ State Legislature to pass A1659/S2355 and A3509/S2479, which would allow DREAM Act- eligible youth to qualify for in-state tuition and access state financial aid at New Jersey’s public colleges and universities, respectively.

Community organizations are urging concerned citizens to pack the City Hall on Wednesday to show support for the City Resolution. A brief rally will be held in front of City Hall at 6pm, before proceeding to the public hearing at 6:30pm. Participants are invited to wear caps and gowns to symbolize the dream of higher education.

 
Please bring signs and placards that say:
 
Pass the Resolution for Tuition Equity
Tuition Equity for NJ Dreamers
Higher Education For All
No Human Being is Illegal
You Vote for Equality, We Vote For You
 
If you or your organization would like to give a 1-2 minute testimony as to why the Jersey City Council should support the City Resolution, please email bmb.sabino@gmail.com with your name, organization/affiliation, and contact information by midnight of Monday, February 25.

WHERE: City Hall, 280 Grove St., Jersey City, NJ 07302WHEN: Wednesday, February 27, 6pm-9pmWHY: The undocumented immigrant population in New Jersey makes up 6.2% of the total state population, making it the fourth-highest rate in the nation. In New Jersey, undocumented immigrants make up 8.6% of the state’s workforce and paid $446.1 million in state and local taxes in 2010. Despite their contribution to the local economy, undocumented immigrants are required to pay the out-of-state tuition rate to attend college, and are ineligible for financial aid and scholarships.The New Jersey Tuition Equity for DREAMers (NJ-TED) Campaign aims to gather enough community support and build people power to demand the implementation of A1659/S2355 and A3509/S2479 from the NJ State Legislature.The city resolution will be the first of its kind to be introduced in New Jersey that supports the NJ-TED Campaign. If approved by the City Council, Jersey City will serve as an example to other municipalities across New Jersey in taking a stand for a person’s right to affordable and quality education, regardless of immigration status.For more information about the NJ-TED Campaign, click here. For more information about the community action at City Hall, please visit the Facebook event page by clicking here. You may also contact Bea Sabino at anakbayan.nynj@gmail.com or 201 779 6886.##

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