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Reform Series: The DREAM Act

Posted September 10, 2009 by Cristina Jimenez
Categories: Federal Immigration Policy

This is Part Three of a series on comprehensive immigration reform. Here’s an index of all of the entries in the series:

Introduction To Comprehensive Immigration Reform
An Earned Path To Citizenship
The Role of Law Enforcement
Undocumented Youth: The DREAM Act
Family Reunification
Border Security
Future Immigration Flows

At the beginning of each installment, we’ll summarize Long Island Wins’ position on the issue at hand. Here’s why we think the DREAM Act should be included as part of immigration reform:

We believe that there’s nothing wise or fair about punishing the children of immigrants who are working hard and trying to achieve the American Dream. We also believe that no one benefits when we shut down the educational options of those looking to achieve and contribute.
The DREAM Act would give young immigrants who are doing their best to play by the rules educational opportunities that allow them to achieve and contribute to the American system, as well as a path to citizenship. When these young people contribute to the system and pay taxes, we all benefit.

Why is the DREAM Act so important? Cristina Jimenez, an immigration policy consultant for the Drum Major Institute for Public Policy, tells us how this legislation could aid students and the economy:

Carlos, a Suffolk County resident, was born in Nicaragua and migrated with his family to this country at a very early age. Like most of his friends, Carlos was a busy honors student who participated in various student organizations and did community service.

But during his junior year in high school, Carlos learned that there was something different about him. He was an undocumented immigrant. His immigration status barred him from applying to the college of his choice and accepting awards and scholarships that his teachers and counselors nominated him for.

Like Carlos, there are an estimated 1.8 million undocumented children living in the United States. The immigration status of these children derives from their parents.

If the parents are undocumented, there is no way for immigrant children to gain legal immigration status on their own. Although raised and educated here, undocumented children face tremendous barriers when they try to go on to college or into the workforce, and live in constant fear of deportation.

Despite the odds, approximately 65,000 undocumented students graduate from high school every year with almost no hope of accessing higher education. Even if they overcome the restrictions of their immigration status and complete a college education, these students are still left with nowhere to go. Having attained a bachelor’s or master’s degree, they cannot put their education into practice: their status as undocumented immigrants prevents them from working and contributing to our economy and society.

The DREAM Act (Development, Relief, and Education for Alien Minors) addresses the struggle of undocumented students.

First introduced in 2001, the DREAM Act, would allow children who meet certain criteria—entering the country before age 16, living here continuously for at least five years, graduating from high school, and showing good moral character—to apply for a conditional legal status for six years. During this time, these young people could go to college or serve in the military. If they complete at least two years of a college education or military service, they would be eligible for permanent residency status.

Although the DREAM Act isn’t new legislation, it was reintroduced this year on March 26 in both chambers of Congress. As in previous years, the DREAM Act is expected to be part of a comprehensive immigration reform proposal.

Most students who would benefit from the DREAM Act came to the U.S. at an early age. They are educated in our schools, speak English, and have adopted American values, and traditions. They are, in all aspects, Americans. The DREAM Act would unleash the talent and potential of immigrant youth by allowing them to go to college or join the military, work legally, pay taxes, and further contribute to our society. We cannot afford to waste these students’ talents, potential, and economic contributions.

This legislation would not only maximize the economic contributions of immigrant students, but would strengthen the middle class and our economy as whole. As argued by President Obama, creating an educated workforce will stimulate our economy, increase productivity, and help the U.S compete in the global economy. This is legislation that works for everyone.

(Image courtesy of wordle.net)

Tags : dream act, immigration reform, immigration reform series

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