The Development, Relief and Education for Minors Act of 2007 (DREAM Act) (S.A. 2919), introduced by Senator Durbin (D-IL) on September 21, 2007, would help immigrant children achieve their dreams. This legislation opens a path to Lawful Permanent Residence for immigrant youth, brought to the United States as children, who are eager to obtain an education and serve in our military.
The first step to legalization is adjustment to conditional resident status for a period of six years. To be eligible for this conditional status, individuals must have entered the U.S. before turning 16 years old; been physically present in the U.S. for a continuous period of at least five years immediately before the date the DREAM Act is enacted; been admitted to a U.S. institution of higher education, or earned a high school diploma or GED certificate; and been a person of good moral character since the time of application.
The second step is to have the conditional basis of their status lifted. This is achieved by meeting either educational or military service requirements within six years of the grant of conditional status. Students choosing the education route to permanent residence must either earn a degree from a U.S. institution of higher education or complete at least two years, in good standing, of a bachelor's degree or higher degree program. Individuals in the military must serve in the U.S. Armed Forces for at least two years and, if discharged, receive an honorable discharge.
Immigrants assisted by this act were brought to the United States as minors, when they were not old enough to make their own decision about living in this country. They have since been raised in the American way of life, and taught to seek the American dream. The DREAM Act would allow these youth to more fully contribute to our common future.
You can help make the DREAM Act a reality by calling and emailing Congress. To learn more about the DREAM Act and how to take action visit: http://capwiz.com/aila2/home/.
Information in this article was obtained from AILA InfoNet Doc. No. 07092169 (posted September 21, 2007) and the AILA Position Paper on the DREAM Act linked to that document.
