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The San Francisco Chronicle estimates that less than one percent of University of California, California State University and community college students would benefit from the DREAM Act. Surrounding this proposed legislation are confusing claims and counter claims.

The following Myths & Facts about the Dream Act will dispel those misconceptions while explaining the advantages and ramifications of passing SB 1460.

MYTH:  SB 1460 gives undocumented students an unfair advantage.

FACT:    The Dream Act would expand the criteria to be considered an AB 540 student to include a graduate of a California technical or adult school.  AB 540 students would then be allowed to compete for state financial aid on an equal—not a preferential basis—with all other graduates of California high schools, technical schools and adult schools.

MYTH:  AB 540 students would be getting a "free ride" if SB 1460 passes.

FACT: If SB 1460 is enacted, AB 540 students would simply be competing for financial aid funds in the same pool as all other California students. Furthermore, undocumented youth should not be penalized for the acts of their parents and deserve to be treated justly. These children have built their lives in the United States, have worked hard to graduate from high school, want to remain in this country and become citizens.

MYTH:  If AB 540 students are allowed to compete in the pool, that would limit funds for which documented California students are eligible.

FACT:    If more students were to apply for financial aid, the Federal government would potentially increase the allocation of funds to the state in future years, thereby creating a larger pool of financial-aid funds for which all students would be competing.

MYTH:  SB 1460 would affect Federal funding for education.

FACT:    SB 1460 would only affect funding for education in California. AB 540 students would be able to apply for financial aid to be used at all California public colleges and universities, without the use of the Federal Application for Student Aid (FAFSA).

MYTH:  The state of California would suffer financially with the passage of SB 1460.

FACT: Increased access to financial aid for all students in California's colleges and universities would in turn increase the state's collective productivity and economic growth. If more young people cannot afford to attend college, that will result in fewer doctors, nurses and teachers.

MYTH:  The California business community opposes SB 1460.

FACT: Actually, the California business community is coming to understand that education is a top entrepreneurial priority: With a less educated workforce, commercial enterprises inevitably suffer. Some 83 percent of jobs in the 30 fastest-growing occupations in the U.S. will require at least some post-secondary education over the next decade.

MYTH:  SB 1460 faces wide opposition and does not have considerable support.

FACT: While several groups have voiced their disapproval of the legislation they are far outnumbered by the numerous organizations who have expressed their support for the bill.

MYTH:  SB 1460 does not have any chance of being enacted.

FACT:    While Governor Schwarzenegger vetoed previous versions, there is a possibility he may sign SB 1460. Upon issuing his veto of a similar bill in 2008, he stated: "I share the author's goal of making affordable education available to all California students, but given the precarious fiscal condition the state faces at this time, it would not be prudent to place additional demands on our limited financial aid resources as specified in this bill.”

MYTH:  SB 1460 would encourage illegal immigration.

FACT: It is federal law that children have a right to a public education (K-12) without regard to their immigration status. Many AB 540 students have lived in the U.S. for the majority of their life—having been brought here by their parents—and intend to remain here.

The San Francisco Chronicle has reported that at least 25,000 undocumented students who graduate every year from high school in California. But because they are ineligible for grants or loans and are unable to work legally, they face tremendous challenges. According to the UC, CSU and California Community Colleges, “AB 540” students comprise less than one percent of enrollment at all three systems.

MYTH:  The U.S. Bishops want undocumented students given favorable treatment.

FACT: In its Principles for Educational Reform in the United States, the Administrative Board of the U.S. Bishops stated, "All persons have the right to a quality education; students are the central focus of all education; quality teaching is essential to the learning process; government has a responsibility to provide adequate resources for the attainment of quality education for all children."