| As immigration reform discussions have soured, | | | | DREAM Act's strict requirements. |
| immigrant youth question what will happen next. | | | | There is a two-step process for the DREAM Act. At |
| These children had nothing to do with the choice of | | | | the first stage, if he meets all requirements, an |
| their parents to move to the U.S. Their memories of | | | | immigrant youth will be granted a temporary lawful |
| their home country, at best, are a blur. In their mind, | | | | immigration status for six years. At this point, he will |
| the U.S. is their home country - but they are here | | | | have to demonstrate he has earned the right to |
| illegally. | | | | become a lawful permanent resident. |
| For these young immigrants, the DREAM Act is the | | | | There are four requirements in the first round: |
| most important aspect of the immigration reform | | | | Age - Must have entered the U.S. before the age of |
| debates in Congress. | | | | 16. Cannot, at the time of submitting the DREAM Act |
| In spite of strong public sentiment in favor of the | | | | papers, be younger than 12 years old or older than |
| DREAM Act, immigration reform opponents argue | | | | 35 years old. |
| that undocumented immigrants should not be given | | | | Long Term Residency - Must have been living in the |
| new programs to earn legal status. | | | | U.S. on the date that the DREAM Act becomes law. |
| However, they never met Arthur. | | | | Also, must have been living here for five years |
| With his mom and dad, he came to my offices to | | | | before the DREAM Act becomes law. |
| inquire whether he had any future options. | | | | Education - Must have successfully completed GED |
| At first glance, he seemed an ideal student. | | | | courses or graduated from high school. |
| He had won several scholastic accolades. He was an | | | | Good Moral Character - Must have good moral |
| "A" student. He took second place in a district essay | | | | character and not have a record of criminal |
| contest. He served as historian for the school ASB. | | | | convictions. |
| He played basketball on the high school team. | | | | In addition, immigrants seeking the DREAM Act's |
| He had simple dreams. He told me, "My first goal is to | | | | benefits will need to show English proficiency and pay |
| enroll in the armed services." He hoped to go to | | | | a stern penalty fee to the government. |
| college after his service days ended. | | | | Assuming they fulfill all requirements, they will |
| Yet, as impressive as his resume looked, it lacked | | | | become temporary permanent residents, on a |
| one major item - papers granting him lawful | | | | conditional basis, for six years. |
| immigration status in the U.S. | | | | When they reach this point, the government will |
| Having completed high school, he was at a dead end. | | | | review their performance to ensure they have |
| He is not alone. | | | | fulfilled their college or military service requirements |
| For several years, as an immigration attorney, I have | | | | and to verify their criminal record remains |
| watched immigrant youth silently suffer after high | | | | unblemished. |
| school graduation. They cannot join the military. They | | | | Opponents claim immigrants use up our resources |
| cannot legally work. They cannot go to college. They | | | | and fail to give anything back in return to the U.S. |
| can't go forward due to their deficit immigration | | | | The DREAM Act's goals undermine such criticism. By |
| status. | | | | imposing strict college and military requirements on |
| They deserve better. | | | | immigrant children, the government recoups the |
| Enter the the Development, Relief, and Education For | | | | investments made during the early part of these |
| Alien Minors Act (DREAM Act). | | | | children lives. |
| Contrary to the assertions of immigration opponents, | | | | In addition, the government ensures their future |
| the DREAM Act does not guarantee legalized status | | | | contributions to the American tax base and social |
| to immigrant children. It opens a pathway for these | | | | security revenues, as well as improving the level of |
| youth to earn their green cards or become U.S. | | | | qualified workers for different professions. |
| citizens if, and only if, the children can meet the | | | | |