Santa Rosa was a pit stop Thursday evening for a statewide campaign to generate support for legislation that would allow illegal immigrant students to qualify for state-funded financial aid.
Local supporters of two bills in Sacramento that make up the California Dream Act will begin a procession at 4 p.m. from Santa Rosa Junior College to Old Courthouse Square.
Participants will be carrying a torch that is making its way from Southern California to Sacramento, where the state Senate is considering AB 130 and AB 131. Both bills have been approved by the state Assembly.
AB 130 would allow undocumented students access to financial aid administered by the state's public colleges and universities, such as the Board of Governors fee waiver or the State University Grant and UC Grant. AB 131 would allow qualifying students not lawfully in the country to receive Cal Grants.
"We've already invested in these kids K-through-12. The Dream Act wants the state to finish that education, to finish that investment," said Xavier Maltese, a legislative aide to 45th District Assemblyman Gil Cedillo, who originally introduced the bills.
Samantha Vazquez, a San Jose college student and Bay Area organizer of the state Dream Act campaign, said the two bills do not open pathways toward legal permanent residency for students.
The bills are scheduled to be heard in the Senate Appropriations committee on Monday, Maltese said.
Participants in the procession are expected to reach Old Courthouse Square by 5 p.m., said Jesus Guzman, a local event organizer.
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