“I am delighted that the New York State Assembly passed the DREAM Act for the second time. The passage of this critical legislation is over-due and will bring much needed relief to thousands of students across the Bronx, the City and State. As I mentioned in the ‘State of The Borough’ last week, this bill will open the doors to higher education and self-fulfillment for all of our children, regardless of their immigration status.

“Every year thousands of undocumented youth who graduate from New York high schools face an uncertain future because of their immigration status. In the Bronx alone, we have roughly half a million foreign-born individuals from all across the globe. These students deserve the chance to get a good education, and help grow our economy and in the process will help lower unemployment and strengthen our workforce.

“I congratulate Assemblyman Marcos Crespo as well as the New York State Assembly for passing this crucial bill. As a state with one of the largest immigrant populations, New York should be at the forefront of progressive immigration policies.  I hope for the continued success of this bill in the legislature,” said Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr.