Immigration Attorney Hemet - Understanding The DREAM Act

Over the past twelve months, the promise ofSome opponents wrongly assert the DREAM Act
immigration reform has faded.  At my Hemetconfers automatic permanent residency rights. 
immigration office, clients openly share their sense ofRather, the proposal only provides a path for Hemet
despair.  Many of them tell me their children,youth to become lawful permanent residents if - and
especially those high school and college age, feelonly if - they can meet strict requirements.
even worse.DREAM Act Requirements
They've heard about the DREAM Act.  For theseThe DREAM Act has a two-step process.  For
young immigrants, the DREAM Act is the mostexample, if James is successful at the first stage, he
important aspect of immigration reform debates inwill be given "conditional" lawful status for six years. 
Congress.At that time, he must prove he deserves full
These children had nothing to do with the choice ofresidence status.
their parents to move to the U.S.  Their memoriesIn the first round there are four requirements:
of their home country, at best, are mere blurs. The1. AGE - Applicants must have entered the U.S.
United States is their home country - but they arebefore the age of 16.  Applicants cannot, at the
living here without proper immigration documents.time of submitting their paperwork, be younger than
Despite growning support for the DREAM Act,12 years old or older than 35 years old.
opponents of immigration reform assert no2. LONG TERM RESIDENCY - Applicant must have
immigrants, including children, should be granted alived in the U.S. for five years before the date, and
pathway to legalization.on the exact date, when the DREAM Act becomes
James, the ideal Hemet student, almostlaw.
However, they never met James.3. EDUCATION - Applicant must have graduated
James came into my Hemet immigration law officesfrom high school or earned an G.E.D. degree, or have
with his parents a few months ago to seek directionbeen accepted into an instution of higher education.
on his future.4. GOOD MORAL CHARACTER - Applicant must not
At first glance, James was an ideal student.have committed any crimes and must possess good
His resume was full of academic   awards.  He wasmoral character.
an "A student.  He had won a county-wideAlso, immigrants will need to show English fluency and
competition in U.S. history.  He was the treasurer onpay a stiff fine at the time of submitting their first
the student council at his high school.  He played onround papers.
the basketball team.If they meet these requirements, as noted above,
James' immediate goals were not fancy.  "I want tothey will be granted temporary lawful status on a
join the military," he told me, "so I can help defendconditional basis for up to six years.
America against our enemies."  He hoped to go toAt the end of the six years, government will review
college after his service days ended.the performance of James and other Hemet youth. 
Even though his record looked flawless, he wasThey will be required to have completed two years
missing one huge component - legal immigrationof college or military service.  They will need to
papers.prove their criminal record remains clean.
Instead of a bright future, he had nowhere to turn.For the many trapped immigrant children whom I've
James is not alone.met in Hemet, the DREAM Act presents them with
Practicing immigration law in Hemet, I've seen tooan opportunity to earn their permanent residency. 
many young undocumented immigrant studentsIn return, the government gains their skills and talents
whose lives come to a halt once their high schoolin the marketplace and ensures their contributions to
days end.  They cannot join the military.  Theythe country's tax base and social security account.
cannot legally work.  They cannot go to college.It's time to end the debate and pass the DREAM
Enter the Development, Relief, and Education ForAct.
Alien Minors Act (DREAM Act).