The Dream Act is great for the children of undocumented immigrants and great for America.
The idea is simple. Undocumented immigrants who came with their parents as young children have lived most of their lives in the United States. They are culturaly American (they haven't lived anywhere else). They are undocumented immigrants even though they haven't comitted any crimes.
Many of these kids have done well in high school but are now stuck in a difficult situation. They can't legally work, there are barriers (particularly financial) to college. But, these kids have the potiential to be productive citizesn.
Putting these kids on a path to citizenship is a perfectally reasonable idea.
The Details
The Dream Act offers high school students who have graduated from high school here and spent a number of years in the US a "conditional status" for six years. This means they are no longer "illegal". They can work and drive and get school loans.
During this six year period, the young adult has three options if they want a green card (and to progress toward citizenship). They must either graduate from a two year college, finish two years of a for year college degree, or serve two years in the military.
This is great for these immigrants. They have options, which include college, and are given a real path toward citizenship. This means that they don't have to fear deportation and don't have to live in the shadows.
Who supports or opposes this bill
This bill is supported by all groups working on behalf of immigrants including
These links have very good reasons for anyone to support this bill.
This bill is opposed by all the people who are against undocumented immigrants including...
What this bill offers politically
My position is that all people working and raising families here should be given a path to citizenship. I understand that many people are opposed to this.
The Dream Act seems like an obvious step towards a moderate position. These kids know English, want to go to college and will live productive lives here. These kids have also done nothing to break the law, and don't deserve the difficult position they are in.
This bill is good for these kids, and good for the country.
A strange attack
Conservatives are attacking this bill for all the same reasons they attack most immigration reform proposals. The idea is that by giving the kids opportunity, we are rewarding the parents. Because of this, deporting these kids (or making life so unliveable so they will leave on their own) is preferable to giving these kids a break.
A strange new argument has now been forwarded-- that the fact that one of the options offered to these kids is the military, that somehow this bill is bad for the kids.
Does this make sense? Well put yourself in the position of these kids (who right now are facing an uncertain future). Suppose I offered you this option; instead of being deported you can choose college or the military. Are you going to feel this is a bad deal?
I am a bit heartened that people who are opposed to any opportunity for undocumented immigrants are this desparate to stop this bill.
But then, it is a very good bill.