DREAM Act September 2007

We, the undersigned, are writing to show support of the DREAM (Development, Relief, and Education for Alien Minors) Act. This bill would provide a path to citizenship for illegal immigrant students. The opportunity to obtain legal citizenship would be offered to children brought to the U.S. illegally by their parents or to children whose parents immigrated legally but were later denied legal status after years in application (making the children illegal). The Act would require that the immigrant student have:

Proof of having arrived in the United Sates before reaching 16 years of age.
Proof of residence in the United States for at least five consecutive years since their date of arrival.
Graduated from an American High School, or obtained a GED.
Good moral character, defined as the absence of a significant criminal record (or drug charges of any kind).

Individuals who meet the above requirements would be eligible to apply for a temporary six-year conditional residence permit which would allow them to live legally in the U.S., obtain drivers licenses, attend college as in-state residents, work legally (including obtaining a social security number), and apply for special travel documents that would allow for travel outside the country for limited amount of time.

During the six-year period the individual would be required to either (1) graduate from a two-year community college, (2) complete at least two years toward a 4-year degree, or (3) serve two years in the U.S. military. After the six-year period, an immigrant who meets at least one of these three conditions would be eligible to apply for legal permanent resident (green card) status. If the individual does not meet one of the three requirements within the six-year period or commits any crimes, other than non-drug related misdemeanors, the individuals temporary residence will be revoked and he or she would be subject to deportation.

We, the undersigned, feel that this bill should be passed because it offers a path to legality for responsible students. All of the immigrants who would benefit from this bill will either be professionals with a College education or part of the United Sates Armed Forces.

It is important to remember that the majority of the people this bill would cover did not make the decision to come to this country. Many have been here since they were infants or young children having no or little recollection of life in the country where they originated. The majority, if forced to return, will return to nothing. Many identify themselves as Americans and want to have the opportunity to create productive and fulfilling lives for themselves here in the United States. By completing high school and staying away from crime, these individuals are proving they are on the right path. We, the undersigned, want to give them this opportunity by encouraging you to pass the DREAM Act.

Information from this petition was derived from Wikipedia.org via http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/DREAM_Act