The Dream Act – Immigration Law Reform in 2010?

One of the many changes that President Obama has promised the United States is immigration reform. Many ideas have been discussed. One of them is the DREAM Act, sponsored by Senator Lugar from Indiana and Senator Durbin from Illinois, among others. The basic idea is to allow certain illegal immigrants who were brought here by their parents at a young age and who have been educated in American schools to become permanent residents.

Under the DREAM Act, certain undocumented people could become legal residents. The first step in this process is for the individual to enroll in some form of higher education, such as a university, vocational school, or apprenticeship program. Another option is to enroll in the US military. If certain requirements are met, this person can apply for conditional residency in the US upon receiving an associate’s degree or 2-year equivalent within six years upon initial petition, the conditional status can be changed and the person can become a lawful permanent resident. resident of the United States.

To be eligible for permanent residence under the DREAM Act, the person must have entered the United States before their 16th birthday and must have been in the United States for at least five years without interruption. The individual must also demonstrate the ability to speak English.

Conditional residents under the DREAM Act will be eligible for private loans to finance their education, but will not be eligible for Pell Grants. Under the DREAM Act, 65,000 students could become conditional residents each year and eventually become permanent residents and citizens if they comply with current immigration rules and regulations.

One of the ideas behind the DREAM Act is to better utilize taxpayer dollars used to educate illegal immigrant youth in public schools across the country. If these young people are willing to continue their education through further education or through the military, it would allow them to become a legal part of our society without fear of losing their families through deportation. Furthermore, the DREAM Act initially only benefits those who were likely taken across the border by their parents without a decision of their own. Many of these people have spent more years illegally in the United States than in their home countries.

The DREAM Act could be merged with other legislation as part of comprehensive immigration reform in 2010. If other ideas do not receive the necessary support from members of Congress, the DREAM Act could be enacted without additional reform measures. Either way, even the proposal for such legislation gives hope to many people now living in the United States who currently have no way to become legal residents.