Dream Act

THE DREAM ACT

In 2007 Congress drafted the Dream Act, to protect the millions of undocumented youth who were brought here illegally as children. If passed the Dream Act would give these youth a chance to contribute to our country's well being. They would have the right not only to pursue an education, but to serve in the military forces as well. Many argue that allowing the Dream Act to pass, would have a negative impact on our country. I disagree and feel that passing the Dream Act with modified age, residency, and service requirements, along with securing our borders, and enforcing tough prosecution for fraud, would benefit our economy, homeland security, and our nation as a whole.

The Dream Act stands for the Development, Relief, and Education of Alien Minors. Every year immigrants migrate to the U.S. in search of better life, bringing with them small children who have no choice in the matter. These youth grow up, educated in our school system, and graduate from our high schools around the country, only to become part of this alarming statistic. Instead of feeling hopeful, secure, and looking forward to their futures, they are fearful, distraught and hopeless. Unable to work, go to college, or contribute to society in a positive way, many opt for a "less desirable environment or activity" (Conde 5).

Others are able to maintain their self-control throughout their ordeals; David Morales is one example. He was outstanding model student and productive members of society who dreamed of becoming a pastor someday. He was brought to the United States by his parents when he was 9 years old. They were searching for a better life for their family. Morale's was arrested on his way to college for being an undocumented immigrant and all his dreams were lost. He now faces criminal charges along with possible deportation, and if found guilty will be banned from entering the United States for next 10 years (winters). The Dream Act, if put into legislation could change the outcome of his life, and others like him forever.

Mark Krikorian believes that in order for the Dream Act to gain support, there are some key aspects regarding age and residency that need to be addressed and modified. The Dream Act should cover only children less than 5 years. He feels that covering youth up to age 16 defeats the purpose of the bill, whose main goal is to "provide amnesty to children who identity was formed here"(Krikorian). The bill needs to target only those youth who can show consistent residency throughout our school system for a full 10 years. Furthermore, Krikorian recommends holding adults responsible for bringing these children illegally. They should lose any privilege to future sponsorship, and children seeking legal status should have no right to sponsor others (Krikorian).

Raising the requirements for both military and education could another way narrow the down the numbers of illegal immigrants who could gain citizenship through the Dream Act. Undocumented youth who are serious about serving their country in the military should be required to fully complete a 4 year term. Those who choose school should be required to earn a minimum of a bachelor's degree. These numbers should be strictly enforced with no loopholes around it. If they do not graduate or complete their full term, they would automatically lose their right to earn legal status. Putting these small modifications into effect would narrow it down to a more distinct group.

Fraud is another area of the Dream Act which needs to be addressed and modified. Currently the bill does not allow any fraudulent information contained in application, to be investigated, or prosecuted against (Krikorian). This is an open door for illegal immigrants to take full advantage of a situation without fear of being held responsible for their actions. Applicants must be aware that there are consequences, and if they choose to lie on their applications, it can and will result in imprisonment.

To work effectively, the U.S. needs to implement strict and inflexible procedures both within our workforce, and at our borders. Krikorian stresses the need for strict fines and penalties to set in place for all employers who hire undocumented workers. Employers need to be held accountable for their actions and auditing of company records could work as a deterrent as well as barring these employers from government