CSULB Chicano & Latino  Studies Research Guide
  
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Selecting a Topic

Selecting a topic that fits your research assignment is often difficult.  The below listed sites may assist you in determining a  Chicano/Latino studies topic of interest to you and suited to your assignment. 
•Paper Topics
•Maricopa College
•Opposing Viewpoints

Hot Topics In Chicano & Latino Studies

DRIVERS LICENSES FOR UNDOCUMENTED PERSONS
Gov. Schwarzenegger has consistently vetoed a bill that would have made licenses available to some "illegal" immigrants. The legislation was drafted by state Assemblyman Gil Cedillo, D-Los Angeles.  It would have allowed only those immigrants in the process of applying for legal residency to get a California driver's license.

Cedillo estimates that the measure would have affected half a million people. The majority of California's estimated 3 million illegal immigrants would not have been covered by the bill. Many Latino legislators and immigrant advocates were angered by the added security provisions, saying they unfairly singled out immigrants.

IN-STATE TUITION FOR NON-CITIZENS AT STATE COLLEGES  & THE DREAM ACT
On October 11, 2001, Gov. Gray Davis signed AB 540 legislation allowing undocumented immigrants who are longtime residents and California high school graduates to pay the same tuition at state colleges and community colleges as other residents.  The University of California has followed suit and provides the same in-state tuition for non-citizens. Ten other states also provide in-state tuition for this distinct group of university students.
 
Currently there are discussions of a federal law that would allow undocumented students to receive financial aid.  The legislation is commonly known as the Dream Act.