Will The Dream Become A Reality?

Jill King

While many are intrigued by the upcoming presidential election and perplexed as to why The Sixth Congressional District is gathering so many Republican candidates, a less publicized decision loses its fizz. The Dream Act, which sought an overwhelming majority of distaste, has been shoved into the background.

Could it be that they don’t want us to know what we are up against?

The Dream Act, a path to allow non-citizens a way to gain in-state college tuition was signed into law by Gov. Martin O’Malley in 2011. Marylanders were furious over this legislation and decided to act, creating a state-wide push to fight back.

A successful petition drive, led by Del. Neil Parrot (R., Washington) and co-chaired by Del. Pat McDonough (R., Baltimore/Harford) has placed this issue on the 2012 ballot. Many delegates and engaged citizens worked diligently to exceed the goal of 100,000 signatures, only to have Casa de Maryland dispute the method and signatures through the judicial system; it soon lost its court challenge.

Casa de Maryland, an immigrant advocacy 501(c)(3) nonprofit agency, has now created a separate, but affiliated partner, Casa in Action, a 501(c)(4) agency. This related group’s sole purpose is to participate in educational actions and legislative and political sponsorship. Although their funds are not to be comingled, their focus remains the same: supplying needs to immigrants and potential immigrants.

In 1985, Casa de Maryland was organized, creating a shelter, providing jobs, and engaging in social, political, and economic justice for immigrants from Central and South America. They have now risen to the ranks of one of the largest not-for-profits in Maryland.

But this isn’t even the tip of the iceberg.

Casa de Maryland itself has pledged an all-out war on the referendum, creating a new “exempt” managerial position to seek $10 million in funding to oppose the successful ballot initiative. This position is one that – once filled – will last from January 2012 to November 2012. The responsibilities include raising funds and creating solicitation materials for mass distribution. In occupying this temporary seat, the leader will report and work directly with Educating Maryland Kids.

According to a statement made in 2008 by Jennifer Freedman, Casa de Maryland’s director of development, “about 45% of Casa’s annual $6.3 million budget comes from government sources.”

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