A statement from Assemblyman Kevin Byrne (R,C,Ref-Mahopac) on the DREAM Act
“The DREAM Act presents two major issues, using taxpayer benefits for illegal immigrants and college affordability for our state’s legal residents. While I continue to believe every human life has value and deserves the opportunity to be successful, as state legislators our first priority should be to the law-abiding citizens and residents of New York.
“It is frustrating to see more of New York’s youth being forced to take on mountains of student loan debt because they too want to pursue their own dream of a college degree and a better life. Instead of focusing on funding free college for illegal immigrants, we should be focusing on making it easier for college graduates to pay back their debt without inflating already sky-high tuition costs. We can do this by providing tax relief, increasing job opportunities and allowing legal residents to deduct a portion of the principal on student loan payments, not just the interest.”