DREAM Act (Development, Relief and Education for Alien Minor)

Posted: August 5th, 2013

DREAM Act (Development, Relief, and Education for Alien Minor)

            There are as much as around 65,000 students graduating from high school every year but lack documented immigrant status in the country. These students came to the United States at a tender age when they could not make their own decision. After high school, most of these students with dreams of pursuing high rank careers find themselves barred from going to college because their parents do not have the documented status as legal immigrants. Thus, out of a fault of their parents, such students find themselves in tight situations. When they are of legal age, they may not get legal employment because they lack documentation. The solution to this problem is the DREAM Act that seeks to grant such students a chance to earn their citizenship under several conditions. They must have migrated to United States before they were 16 years, have lived in the country for not less than 5 years during enactment of the act, and are below the age of 30 years as well as with good morals (Batalova and McHugh, 2). However, the act has not been passed due to opposition from some of the senates with very unpersuasive arguments. I find it unfair to deny such students a chance to earn their citizenships and serve the country through college education and serving in the military.

Conclusively, it is worth noting that failure of passing the act would amount to other circumstances. The other solution would be deporting them to other countries since they will be considered illegal immigrants despite growing up in unite states. This would be the same as taking them to foreign countries they barely know, and have no way of making a living. The other circumstance would be allowing them to continue with their illegal stay, living a hopeless life since they would not be in a position to secure legal jobs. In addition, some would be barred from higher education. This way, they become much of a liability than they would be if provided with an opportunity to earn their permanent residence. Passing the act would allow such students to have a better future and serve the country better since receiving education is one of the conditions, while those who cannot attain such education can serve in the military (National Immigration Law Center, 2011). In addition, the opponents of the act have no substantial argument to object the passing of the bill. Thus, the bill should be passed, considering there are substantial reasons to pass.