SILVER SPRING, Md (WUSA) -- Hundreds marched in downtown Silver Spring in support of the Maryland Dream Act, legislation that would allow undocumented immigrants in-state tuition.
The group wants to continue the momentum through election day where the policy is up for a referendum.
They call themselves the dreamers with hopes of a future in America through higher education. Veronica came to the country when she was 10: "I want to be a psychologist and join the Airforce"
Cindy Koolade came from the war torn country of Ivory Coast.
"I want to be a pediatrician."
The Dream Act approved by last year's Maryland legislative session requires qualified students to go to a community college and after two years, the chance to transfer to a four year university.
Opponents say that takes away opportunities for Maryland and out-of-state citizens a spot, at say, the University of Maryland.
'Help Save Maryland's Brad Botwin led the petition to get the measure on the ballot this November.
"It's going to be tens of millions of dollars of tax payer money to subsidize people who have no moral or legal right to be here in Maryland."
Botwin claims the Dream Act would cost the school 44 thousand dollars a student for a four year degree. On top of higher tuition for all students.
Kimberly Mehlman-Orozco is with the Justitia Institute on improving immigration policy. She says there's not enough research on the financial impact on tax payers and on the state.
"there could be a loss that would be offset by an increase in enrollment. There might be a longterm economic benefit to the state for educating students within their state."
The politically charged issue is not stopping Veronica and Cindy who are inspired by their hopes for a future in America.
If the Dream Act were to be imposed the student must attend a Maryland high school for 3 years and prove they or their parents paid taxes.