Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about the DREAM Act
What is the DREAM Act?
The DREAM Act is a federal bill that would give certain undocumented students temporary residence if they qualify. To qualify under the DREAM Act, a student must:
- have lived in the U.S. for at least five years immediately preceding enactment of the DREAM Act.
- Must have been brought to the U.S. at the age of 15 or younger, but at time of enactment, no older than 30 years of age, and
- Must be of good moral character.
Additionally, students who qualify for the DREAM Act, could:
- upon graduating from high school, apply for conditional legal resident status that would allow the student to live and work in the U.S. for six years.
- During the six years, the student would be required to graduate from a two-year college, complete at least two years towards a four-year degree, or serve in the U.S. military for at least two years.
- After meeting one of these requirements, a student could apply for and be granted legal permanent residency and could then work towards obtaining citizenship.
Who would benefit?
The DREAM Act is intended to help young adults, who have been educated in the U.S. for several years and have earned high school diplomas (or its equivalent) to live and work legally in the United States. Many were brought to the United States at early ages by their parents and more and more are graduating from high school as scholars who are prepared for the rigors of college, but do not necessarily attend due to their undocumented status.
The larger beneficiary would be American society—our nation would benefit when young people get an education and are provided an opportunity to contribute by working in their fields of study. For decades, undocumented students and their parents have been able to work without fear in the agricultural industry and other low-wage industries. In undocumented students, there is an untapped pool of future trade technicians, nurses, teachers, doctors, lawyers, engineers, and other professional and technical fields. Many bring with them the resource of being bilingual. With the DREAM Act, these students’ potentials could be reached.
How many students would benefit?
The National Immigration Law Center estimates that nationally, 65,000 U.S.-raised high school graduates would qualify if the Congress approved the DREAM Act.
In Washington state, LEAP estimates the number could reach 1,000-1,500 annually, but the number is unknown because undocumented students do not identify themselves as such, and schools are not permitted to ask.
Didn’t HB 1079 help undocumented students?
In May 2003, Washington’s State Legislature and Governor Gary Locke approved HB 1079, a law permitting undocumented students to pay resident tuition fees to attend college. HB 1079 has helped make college more affordable for undocumented students, but it does nothing to change undocumented students’ legal status.
Even if undocumented students graduate from high school with honors or as class valedictorians, and then earn college degrees, they still are not permitted to work or live in the U.S. legally—thus, the importance of the DREAM Act.
What is the status of the DREAM Act (as of May 2008)?
In 2007, a Senate vote to end debate and decide on the DREAM Act received 52 votes in favor and 44 opposed. So while the majority of the Senate supported moving forward on voting on the DREAM Act, 60 votes are needed according to Senate rules. Most believe this ended consideration on the DREAM Act until after the 2008 elections.
It is unlikely the DREAM Act will be considered again during this session of Congress (through 2008). However, there remains strong bipartisan support for the DREAM Act and there is cautious optimism that the Act could be approved following the 2008 election of a new U.S. president and a new U.S. Congress.
What can I do to help support policies such as those contained the DREAM Act?
Encourage your organizations or institutions (school boards, boards of trustees, regents) to approve a resolution, and send a signed resolution to your elected representatives in the Congress. Send a copy to info@leapwa.org, or by mail to Latino/a Educational Achievement Project, PO Box 98000, MS 99-285, Des Moines, WA 98198. To learn more, click on How You Can Support the DREAM Act.
Also, you can contact representative in the House of Representatives and our two U.S. Senators. To locate your two United States Senators and your Congressman or Congresswoman in the House of Representatives, click here.
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