22.04.09
US immigration reform, the Dream Act to help 65,000 students
All American 'Dream' Act
The Development, Relief and Education for Alien Minors Act (The DREAM Act) is a proposal introduced to the Senate and House of Representatives allowing undocumented immigrant students who graduate from US high schools, temporary residency for a period of 6 years.
Although at an early stage and not yet passed to Bill status, it seems likely the Act will get a lot of support. It fits in with President Obama’s message that Americans should work and earn their status as US citizens and everyone should play a role in building the US – it will also add an estimated 65,000 undocumented students a year into the American dream.
To be eligible for temporary residency, undocumented immigrant students must:
• Provide proof of having arrived in the United States before age 16.
• Provide proof of residence in the United States for a least five consecutive years since their date of arrival
• Be aged between 12 and 35 at time of bill enactment.
• Have graduated from an American high school, or obtained a GED.
• Be of good moral character.
In the six year temporary residency permit, students must complete at least two of the following:
• Graduate from a two-year community college,
• Complete at least two years of a 4-year degree,
• Serve two years in the U.S. military.
During the six years undocumented immigrant students can apply for student loans and work study.
If immigrant students successfully complete the conditions they will be granted permanent residency, resulting in US Citizenship.
Failure to meet these requirements results in deportation as does any criminal activity, other than those considered non-drug misdemeanors.
What are your thoughts on the Dream Act, are you one of the thousands lost in the system, given the opportunity would you benefit from this and work for your US citizenship? Leave your comments below.
Published by Gareth McConnell Global Visas in US immigration: DREAM ACT, USA Immigration and work visas
April 22nd, 2009 at 5:08 pm
Please urge your representatives to pass the DREAM Act 2009. It is not only the right thing to do, it is the smart things to. The DREAM Act would help boost our economy and allow America to remain a competitive world power in this age of globalization. These DREAM students are smart , talented, multilingual, multicultural students who have grown up in the US and are just as American as any documented person living in the U.S. THE DREAM Act is something we have waited much too long for and we cannot afford to continue allowing it to fail any longer.\n\nPASS the DREAM ACT 2009
April 23rd, 2009 at 12:04 am
I do not think illegals should be rewarded with anything…..go Home
April 23rd, 2009 at 5:00 am
If these students can do great things in the USA,just think of the miracles they could do in THEIR own country!,Sick and tired of how we need to feed and fix the world,the real reason these people want to stay here is its free and the best country in the world,each and every one of these letters written forget on purpose to include the word ILLEGAL,they sugar coat it with undocumented worker, never as it is ILLEGAL.
May 5th, 2009 at 2:59 am
Sick and tired that my taxes are paying for Illegal’s to get free dental and health care when I have to pay for everything I get. I dont care if it is “fair” they should go back to their own country, mom, dad and the kids, and if they cant survive there, tough, face it the World is not a FAIR place to live in.
May 8th, 2009 at 1:07 pm
It’s good that consideration is being taken with the issue.
May 8th, 2009 at 3:13 pm
Absolutely do not pass this. This again rewards people for breaking the law. Why do you people not understand this? You dont let kids of bankrobbers keep the money, do you?
Besides the fact they are already here illegally and they are sucking of resources by using our education sytem through High School, now you want to give them student loans which means there will be less money for students who are actual citizens? Hell no and I cannot say that strongly enough.
The people who put this forward and support this are traitors. They are stealing from citizens to give to non-citizens. It is not right.
May 8th, 2009 at 3:37 pm
Jason, why don’t YOU understand? You can send the bank robber to jail but you wouldn’t send the kid! It’s hardly their fault they’re in the position they’re in. I’m sick and tired of hearing you people moaning on about paying your taxes, it’s a cop-out and a feable argument. The DREAM Act proposes these children work and study, take exams or serve time in the military so they will grow up to be responsible adults. They could end up working in Afganistan or Iraq to protect whingers like you or they might end up working in the local 7/11, either way, they’ll be paying their taxes legally. Or would you prefer we keep going down the same old road treating them like second class citizens and cheating them of a decent shot at life? Who’s stealing from who?
May 8th, 2009 at 4:56 pm
Well said, David. What’s so wrong about educating and making these kids a productive member of society? They were brought here without their consent, and the American dream is for everyone.
May 9th, 2009 at 2:23 pm
I agree with David too!
I wish you were in those kids shoes, you would undertand their situation better.
May 10th, 2009 at 3:16 pm
You know what’s strange? The ‘word” ALIEN in the DREAM ACT does not seem to mention documented kids legally in the country. In the 2009 version, the lawmakers and their supporters’ sympathy apparently is only for the UNDOCUMENTED. Did I get it wrong?
May 29th, 2009 at 6:38 pm
See what many people don’t understand is that illegals also pay taxes. Most live their lives as most other citizens, and because they are illegal they stay away from trouble. I come from a family full of illegals and they work harder than most citizens. I know illegals who have to work three to four jobs, and most are people who have been here for years. Passing the DREAM Act will give children the opportunity to live a good life without having to work several jobs. These kids didnt get to choose whether they came to this country or stayed in their native country. Telling these kids to GO HOME would be like telling an american to go back to England. This is not a reward for breaking the law, its a reward for students who work hard and want to improve our society. The time to pass the DREAM Act is now!
May 30th, 2009 at 3:45 pm
There are many US citizens who have to travel to other countries (Canada, UK, Cuba) for free healthcare. How is that any different than illegal US immigrants coming here for free education?
June 23rd, 2009 at 4:31 pm
wow some of you people are really ignorant ! you have no idea whats going on around you do you ?! where do you think your ancestors came from? they sure wasnt born here..wow its pathetic how such a powerful country has such a great number of ignorant people..these children shouldnt be blamed for their parents choice to bring them into the U.S. to have a better life, they’re just as american as any child who was born in the country, only thing making them different is their legal status.. the dream act should really be passed since all these kids are smart, intellectual, and will bring this country out of the deep bs their in now.
June 25th, 2009 at 2:48 am
I think that its about time something is being done.
if you read the comments this “IGNORANT PEOPLE” are
writting you will see that all they care about is money.
OH but if you were to be in there positions you would
be supporting no doubt.
I agree with Michelle she has a strong point.
you guys think that i child would want to move
to a country that speaks out another language?
Do you think that they really wanted this?
NO THEY DIDN’T
But when your child don’t have enything to eat at home
you have to think about them and find something better.
they are just here to better themselfs not to take
your stupid money..ok
Or your JOBS.
because i know that “Americans” are not going
to do a job like they do.
think about it before you speak
because that just makes you ignorant.
look were you came from and your ancestors then talk.
July 2nd, 2009 at 6:12 am
I’m 16 and I am one of does kid here in the US going to school,
my parent brought here at age 2 i didn’t know anything at that age so why can’t i have the American Dream. My parents pay taxes, the IRS gave them a IRS number to pay taxes and i don’t have FREE healthcare because i don’t have a SS number. What will i do when i’m out of school if i don’t have my SS to work. Why don’t people understand that we are not here for free “stuff” but to live a good life. At this age i can’t go back to where i was born i don’t know the place. This is my home and where i will stay and hopefully soon to come the immigration reform. So i can stay here living the DREAM.
July 2nd, 2009 at 6:55 pm
They’re illegal. They’re not citizens. They should not be given any special treatment, regardless of how they got here (and how old they were) in the first place. It’s not right nor is it fair.
Michelle…
“wow some of you people are really ignorant ! you have no idea whats going on around you do you ?! where do you think your ancestors came from?”
My ancestors are from Russia, Poland, Sweden and Germany. They all came here through Ellis Island, and oh what do you know? They came here LEGALLY. They weren’t sneaking over. They went through all the processes and did everything that was required for them to become legal citizens, they were not given any special treatment, nor was it the made any easier for them.
Ignorance has nothing to do with it. I don’t see why lawbreakers should be rewarded.
When the hell did it become so difficult for these people to come here legally?
July 2nd, 2009 at 8:53 pm
Thanks for the alternative view point Lisa – pity it sucks. So you’re one quarter Russian, one quarter Poland… yawn…. one quarter Swiss, sorry Swedish, and one quarter German… with all them quarters does that make you any more American than Carlos who left the comment above you or did you not bother to read his comment? Why’s it so difficult for intelligent people like you to understand a 2 year old brought into the USA does not have any say in their future and should not be held accountable for their tax-paying, IRS number holder parents? What does it take to inspire young people like you to somehow relate to your peers? What if Native Americans turned around and told you to you were no longer eligible to the life you’ve only been ever used to because your four quarter BS doesn’t wash with them? Are you afraid of the competition or do you just not realize the full potential these 65,000 people can contribute to the economy when the USA is DOWN and needs all the help we can get. Or would you just prefer we order them to continue taking a seat at the back of the bus?
The USA is the greatest country in the world because we’ve overcome these mistakes and we lead the world in example.
July 8th, 2009 at 6:28 pm
PLease your one kvastion?did might help young s for imigration in second contry s for better yob?
May 21st, 2010 at 3:03 am
This is just rewarding the illegals!!! don’t pass this law or any other that reward this kind of insult to this nation. Here are my reason for that, if you apply for a Student Visa to be legally educated in the US you need to pay more than out-of-state kids just for the same class without any special treatment, moreover they have no rights to work out side of the institution that provide them with the F-I/I-20 (the legal documentation) none they can apply to any financial aid or student loans. you can check all these well established laws. Yes I do agree that those kids are part of the irresponsibility of their own parents, and they are not here because they wanted to abuse the opportunities of this country, but at the same time when you applied to any educational institution in the US, they ask you your legal status in the country, so you consciously lied about it. More over you are taking away the opportunity to another legal resident or citizen to be in that educational institution, not to mention of the thousands of students that are waiting to get an opportunity to study in this country legally.
I would like to know if these illegal students are granted with financial aid?
Passing this law is just a slap on the face to all the people that are in the system waiting to be in the US legally. I am an immigrant and I don’t take my legal status in this country for granted.
July 21st, 2010 at 11:18 pm
I wonder if I would still be elegible for the Dream Act since I came here one month after I turned 16 and now I’m almost 22. I fullfil most of the requirements except for that one. I’m actually pursuing a bachelors degree in petroleum engineering. Am I going to be disqualified if the bill passes this year??
August 3rd, 2010 at 2:01 pm
I think the legislation is still to be passed and also you have already been in the United States for the 6-year temporary period
October 27th, 2010 at 10:06 pm
I will like to know if there is a number to call.about the us immigration reform.
November 1st, 2010 at 3:17 pm
Hi Lorna, if you need some information about the latest changes to US immigration law you should get in touch with one of the immigration experts at Global Visas. We have many lawyers who specialize in US immigration so you can count on their advice. To get started you need to visit the US Visas section of our website and click on the link to take a free assessment.
December 6th, 2010 at 12:01 am
I 100% Agree with this, all these ignorant people saying that their tax dollar is paying for the “aliens” did you know it would cost $285 Billion dollars to find and deport all 12 million immigrants while if you pass the dream act in a period of 10 years these kids would generate aprox 2.4 Trillion dollars in our GDP. so now let them in and let them pay their own taxes so you dont have to ? or keep paying your taxes for them ? VOTE YES.
December 6th, 2010 at 8:42 pm
If the Dream act is passed US will have a better economy and better place
Many people who think this is y’all country well it ain’t its the Native Americans!
December 14th, 2010 at 2:27 am
Wow.. I really can’t believe everything people are saying about “just rewarding people” and all that. My parents brought me here legally when I was barely a couple months old with visas but they all expired and I cant get one anymore so im illegal. But they pay taxes and do EVERYTHING an american does . Im barely 13 and I’m already worried about my future since I wont be able to go to college if they dont pass the dream act. Don’t you think it would be fair to give other people an opportunity to study. I mean I think im a pretty good person, I do community service because I want to help people, I have excellent grades and have gotten tons of rewards for school, and even one from obama. I really think they should pass it because it would help a lot of people and I would greatfully be in the army for even 5 years or more if it meant I would be able to keep on studying & I’m pretty sure other people(illegal students) would agree and would do the same thing.
•And btw to Lisa: we’re not given any special treatment, my parents both have two jobs so we dont see them that much see and they barely have enough money to put food and the table and pay the rent for a two bedroom apartment-that we share with two other people- & school things for me and my little brother. Ive even worked in the field because I can’t stand to see the so tired and stressed, to help them.
December 17th, 2010 at 12:47 pm
I can see both sides on the act. BUT:
I would like to know what they are going to do for all the people that have been waiting legally in the visa immigration system for many many years that they have now taken these visa numbers away from to give them to these illegal’s.
They have to go through many security checks, show that they can be supported, pass medicals and pay a small fortune to get processed to be able to come the USA. Do you honestly think those people are giving up lives elsewhere if they weren’t going to contribute to the American society!
You are keeping families apart of the people doing this legally and that is NOT RIGHT.
Seems it only pays to do things the illegal way these days in the eyes on the American government
December 17th, 2010 at 8:19 pm
I am totally against the dream act!!!! I am first generation american and my parents are immigrants. They did not receive or apply for government hand outs. I am disgusted with this act. Why should they get able to get student loans and take away american jobs getting work study??? I could not get it at all. There are too many women and men who sign up to join the military to pay for college, losing their lives and limbs. I have a good friend who just signed up to get money for school of course defend his country, and died. He wanted to be a chef. He never thought he would have to go to Iraq. I am over these people. These kids need to blame their parents for dragging them over this mess. I have student loans and suffer too much for someone else to take my benefits and get free college to take my job.
December 18th, 2010 at 6:15 pm
wow people havent u guys had any kids?? legally or illegally kids are kids! im a permanent resident which im very proud of…i’m 24 and i was brought here when i was only 1year old! my mother n father left THERE family behind to give US a better life! my father had a “mechanic shop” in NM which he always paid the IRS for his taxes! My father got deported to MEXICO for not having his visa 8 months ago, and eventhough MEXICO is where I was born (I hate it) with all my heart! The government is so corrupt and all my father wanted to give us was a better life! After 4 months of him being in Juarez, MX he got shot and killed! Did u know he had 6 kids, 3 of them U.S.Citizens, 1 with cleft lip palate, and one ONLY 10 yrs old!!!!! I know the Dream Act was for students, but my point is that ALOT of the people who are here illegally are only here for a better opportunity n not to steal YOUR money! why dont u all complain about the AMERICANS who are homeless and are asking for ur money to buy beer or drugs huh? Why do you complain about Hitler killing EVERYONE that didnt have colored eyes?….(if all u guys are being as racist as he was!)
December 21st, 2010 at 3:03 am
You people are ignorant. Everyone in this country is an illegal unless you are of native descendent. I am a legal resident and I am all for the Dream Act. This country is falling apart, we stand behind China and India soon will surpass us cause they are a growing nation. This is the reason why this country is so messed up. This country isnt perfect. People should open their minds, i bet if you were in that position you would want something like this to be passed. Yeah her things are good, and thats why people want to be here to improve where we live. The dream act is for the those who didnt give consent to come here… it wasnt the kids choices to come it was the parents.. but for all of those who work their butts off and who study to get somewhere in life this bill should be passed, cause they had no say in coming here. So people before you start calling people immigrants think of your familys history and where they came from cause every single one of us is an immigrant. just cause you have a passport doenst make you any better then those who dont.. if you think about it more than half of the “legal” students that go to college spend it drinking nd partying and spending their money on things that arent worth it … when there could be a bright person who isnt legal but cant study what they want because of a piece of paper ? Yeah that makes sense right … and dont blame taxes on immigrants cause that is only a fraction of where alll your taxs go…. i’m only 16 and i can see why this country is falling apart. GO DREAM ACT!!!!
June 26th, 2011 at 9:31 pm
“fits in with President Obama’s message that Americans should work and earn their status as US citizens” – The problem with that logic is that we are NOT talking about Americans. We are talking about people who are here ILLEGALLY which makes them NOT an American. If they want to go to school, tell them to apply for citizenship THEN go to school. Why should Americans pay for other people from other coutnries to study here? We don’t help our own youth get educated. It’s time the US got out of babysitting the world and took care of OUR OWN first. If you are not a legal citizen, you are not an American. Get legal before you whine about not being treated right or getting the freebies you think are due you.
July 7th, 2011 at 3:46 pm
The point of Obama’s DREAM Act is that is will provide a pathway to citizenship for the most valuable people: young, well-educated individuals with excellent career prospects. These people provide long-term benefits to the American economy through taxes. The DREAM Act is not about providing charity to immigrants – quite the opposite. It allows the US to pick and choose only the best candidates for citizenship.