What is the DREAM Act?
The Development, Relief and Education for Alien Minors Act is a federal bill, if approved by the U.S. Congress and President, the DREAM Act would grant temporary legal residency to undocumented students who graduate from high school, allowing them to live and work in the U.S. legally.
To be eligible, students must:
- Have lived in the U.S. for at least 5 years;
- Been brought to the U.S. before the age of 16;
- Be of good moral character.
Within six years of obtaining temporary legal residency, to be considered for permanent legal residency (and citizenship) a student must:
- Graduate from a two-year college; or,
- Complete two years towards a four-year degree; or,
- Serve in the U.S. military for 2 years.
For more information such as federal financial aid considerations, age, and travel, take the time to read the official bill language.
H.R. 1751 S.B. 729
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 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.
Read on the potential economic impact by undocumented students if the DREAM Act is passed.
How many students would benefit?
The National Immigration Law Center estimates that nationally, 65,000 U.S.-raised high school graduates would qualify if Congress approves 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.
What is the status of the DREAM Act (as of May 2009)?
On March 26th, 2009, Senator Richard Durbin [IL] reintroduced the DREAM Act in the Senate and Representative Howard Berman [CA] in the House of Representatives. Both bills have been referred to specific committees (information can be found on THOMAS Library of Congress) but there are no schedule hearings for either bill at present moment.
As of today, the DREAM Act is a stand-alone bill but it is likely the DREAM Act will be combined with a bill on comprehensive immigration reform when it is introduced. LEAP has asked Senator Patty Murray to encourage Congress and President Obama to approve the DREAM Act as a first step, followed by comprehensive immigration reform.
What can I do to help support the DREAM Act?
1. Contact your congressional representative in the House of Representatives by phone, email, or letter and ask him/her to cosponsor the DREAM Act.
Don’t know who your representative is? Click here to locate your two United States Senators and your Congressman or Congresswoman from your Congressional district.
2. Contact your two U.S. senators, Senator Patty Murray and Senator Maria Cantwell, to thank them for their support of the DREAM Act.
3. Encourage your organization/s or institutions (school boards, boards of trustees, regents) to approve a resolution and send copy of the signed resolution to your elected representatives in Congress.
Send a copy of the resolution to info@leapwa.org, or by mail to:
Latino/a Educational Achievement Project
PO Box 98000, MS 99-285
Des Moines, WA 98198
4. Educate others about the DREAM Act and ask them to contact their congressional representative.
5. For more specific information, visit How to Support the DREAM Act in 20 Minutes.
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