With the federal version of the DREAM Act stalled in Congress, 13 states have adopted their own versions. The state laws don’t offer an avenue to legal residency—that’s a matter of federal authority. But they do allow hardworking immigrant students who have grown up in their communities and attended local schools to have continued access to educational opportunities by allowing them to attend state universities at in-state tuition rates. Maryland’s version, enacted last year but now under attack, also applies to veterans and active duty service personnel.  

Those laws are worth applauding, but as the AFL-CIO Executive Council pointed out in a statement at its annual winter meeting in Lake Buena Vista, Fla.:

Not surprisingly, these laws have become a target of right-wing extremists connected to groups like the American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC)—the very same organizations that are leading the nationwide attack on collective bargaining and voting rights. Maryland is currently their bull’s-eye.

One of the groups that successfully fought to put repeal of Maryland’s DREAM on the ballot has been linked to organizations that have been designated “hate groups” by the Southern Poverty Law Center. Said the council:

We will support state-level efforts like the Maryland DREAM Act, but make no mistake: These are not complete solutions. Congress must pass comprehensive immigration reform.

Click here for the full statement and here for more on immigration.