DREAM Act would provide aid to illegal immigrants

ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) - Support is building in New York for a "DREAM Act" that would provide financial aid and other assistance to college-bound illegal immigrants in the state.

The proposal is being pushed by Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver.

Now, Gov. Andrew Cuomo and the Republicans who share control of the state Senate are interested in discussing the bill.

The DREAM Act would provide a way to help poor immigrant families afford college and would create a commission to raise money for scholarships.

The estimated cost of the aid ranges from $17 million to more than $20 million a year.

Momentum is building after the idea withered under Republican pressure in Albany and Washington a year ago.