As an organization, we decided to support the DREAM Act at a national level. The Dream Act is a legislation that would help many of our brothers, family members and friends. Although some people might have questioned our decision (being that we are a social fraternal organization), it make sense that we took a political stance- especially when that stance is one in support of our members. Our brothers. The DREAM Act is about making dreams a reality. In order to make these dreams a reality, dreaming will need to be followed by actions. Unless we are able to educate others on what this legislation is, how it could benefit us and the importance of them supporting the cause, we cannot make that needed change a reality.
So it brings forth the question, what is the DREAM Act? The Development, Relief and Education for Alien Minors Act (also called “The DREAM Act”) is a bipartisan bill that would provide a path to citizenship for undocumented students. This act is one of the few bills that has a wide spectrum of supporters.
The DREAM Act has four basic requirements:
- You entered the country before the age of 16
- You graduate high school or obtain a GED;
- You have good moral character (no criminal record);
- You have at least five years of continuous presence in the US prior to the passage of the bill.
Students that meet these requirements would be “…eligible to apply for a temporary six year “conditional” residency permit which would allow them to live legally in the United States, obtain driver’s licenses, attend college as in-state residents, work legally…” (thomas.loc.gov). The National Immigration and Law Center explains that this is considered a “conditional” residence permit because during this time applicants need to meet certain conditions like keeping a clean criminal record and attending a higher education facility or the military for at least two years. After the six-year period, applicants would be given regular permanent residence and a chance to apply for their citizenship. According to Mark Silverman, an immigration attorney and president of the Immigration Reform and Legal Council (IRLC), in San Francisco, in the year 2010, there was a 50-60% chance for this bill to pass on it’s own and a 80-90% if students and the community got active.
Roughly 65,000 students who would qualify for the DREAM Act graduate every year from U.S. high schools; many go to college, despite the legal barriers; and many more would, if given the opportunity. These students are top scholars, athletes, musicians, and leaders in their high school, colleges and communities; however, they are cut short from their goals because of their place of birth. It would be safe to say, The DREAM Act will help reduce dropout rates and encourage our children to strive for higher education. For the students that have continued on to college, it is like going towards a goal blind folded; Malcolm X said “You can always chase a dream but it will not count if you never catch it”. After all, even if they graduated at the top of their class they would not be able to put their education to use without the legal documentation it needed to work in this country.
The Economy would be improved by the taxes that would be paid by this wave of professionals. A single person with a bachelor’s degree who earns an average $60,000 of taxable income will contribute $9,640 to taxes in welfare, annually; in a 40-year span he/she will have contributed $385,000. Additionally, the students that complete their higher education would become assets to their communities becoming role models and mentors.
The United States depends on immigrants as much as immigrants depend on the Unites States. This nation was build of the blood, sweat and tears of immigrants. It would only make sense to get the top quality “citizens” and make a better, more educated, professional society. The DREAM Act needs to be passed for the betterment of the life of all the undocumented students and their communities. After all, justice wouldn’t be putting handcuffs on someone’s hands when we could give them the chance to earn a diploma instead.
Reference
“Dream Act Basic Information.” National Immigration Law Center. 30 Mar. 2009. NILC. 07 Dec. 2009 .
“Dream Act.” Thomas Library of Congress. 14 May 2009. H.R. 1751. 06 Dec. 2009 .
Schrag, Peter. “Immigration Reform: Start with the Dream Act.” Sacramento Bee 16 May 2007, sec. B: 7. Proquest. San Jose, CA. 23 Nov. 2009.
Silverman, Mark. Personal interview. Oct. 2010.
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