Just like many pieces of legislation, the Development, Relief and Education for Alien Minors (DREAM) Act embodies social and economic progress. Yet multiple misconceptions about the bill have distorted its objective.
The basic idea of this bill is to allow the opportunity certain undocumented immigrants the chance to apply for financial aid for higher education and/or enter military service while simultaneously working towards permanent residence. All of this would be contingent upon them proving that they:
Arrived in the U.S. before the age of 16.
Have lived here for at least five consecutive years since their date of arrival.
Were between the ages of 12 and 35 at time of the bill's enactment.
Have graduated from high school or obtained a GED.
Have exhibited "good moral character."
Many opponents of the bill say they object to the DREAM Act because it represents acceptance of illegal immigration, and even welcomes more of the same.
I beg to differ.
The DREAM Act targets current undocumented students pursuing higher education and professional careers and not a further influx of cheap labor. The legislation would welcome undocumented individuals to join the military instead of welfare rolls. In fact, the DREAM Act would bring solutions, not further problems.
Opponents of the DREAM Act argue that their tax dollars would be used to guarantee financial aid for undocumented students. But the DREAM Act neither ensures nor promises undocumented students financial aid; it simply allows them to qualify as valid applicants, meaning they will still be competing with others for resources. Secondly, the DREAM Act would give individuals conditional status during the first six years, allowing them nothing more than the chance to apply for student loans and work study programs. In no sense is this charity — loans will be paid back and work study requires labor for pay.
Given the opportunity to receive additional education, undocumented students would qualify for better paying jobs. As a nation, we would collect more from them in taxes, and also benefit as they spend and invest more in the U.S. economy.
The financial aid awarded to undocumented individuals would be relatively small investment that could bring large and long-lasting returns in interest payments on loans, taxes paid, and purchases that spur the economy.
Another myth is undocumented individuals are taking jobs from native-born citizens. Statistics show that there are fewer and fewer candidates available to fill many professional careers.
Do we really want to turn our backs to undocumented students who have already proved themselves as bright individuals ready to contribute to our nation through educational and economic success?
Some say that the DREAM Act should only become law as part of a comprehensive immigration reform; I would agree — but where is this comprehensive immigration reform?
The last comprehensive immigration reform came in 1986 under President Ronald Reagan. In the absence of a similarly broad follow-up, we must act on a smaller scale. This spells DREAM Act.
The DREAM Act is what its name entails — an act of progress.
Photo of DREAM Act student advocates by Manuel Ortiz, courtesy of Alianza News and San Jose Beez.
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