The Dream Act

For any parents that bring a child into the United States illegally, the process of keeping their child in school and protecting their children from being removed from a higher chance for greater education is always a threatening and stressful situation. There is hope to allow these children the possibility of a brighter future. The children with the opportunity to do well in school and prove that they are serious about their positive direction in society may have a chance to stay in the US with a conditional permanent residency.

The Development Relief and Educations for Alien Minors Act, or DREAM Act, is a bill that aims to make it possible for alien students with good moral character to continue schooling, receive a six year temporary residency to continue college or join the military. Students who have been in the United States before the bill’s enactment for at least five years will be eligible to receive these temporary terms for a chance at conditional permanent residency. In order to complete the prerequisites for conditional permanent residency within the six year temporary residency period, students must attend and complete a two year degree or serve in the military for a minimum of two years.

Requirements for eligibility for DREAM Act Beneficiaries

Beneficiaries of the act must have proof of having arrived in the United States prior to age sixteen. Proof of residence within the United States for five consecutive years since their arrival in the United States and compliance with selective service procedures are definitely required.

The individual must be within the ages of twelve and thirty at the time of bill enactment and will have to have either graduated from an American high school or obtained their GED or if currently a student, be in the process of keeping their grades up and completing high school. Good moral character is also a requirement and must be followed very strictly.

This is meant to benefit the children of parents who took a great risk in bringing their children to the United States where they could get a better education and have a better chance at life than they would be subjected to from their place of origin. These children have a chance to provide a way for them to remain in the United States legally and become a productive citizen by keeping their grades up and going to college or joining the military. As long as these children remain true to their career goals and not let themselves become involved with gangs, or any form of criminal activity.

An opportunity like this does not come along very often, especially to undocumented residents. It is impossible to know how the future will turn out for every individual who may be eligible for what the DREAM Act has to offer. Those who are fortunate enough to apply and be accepted into the program will truly have a chance at securing their citizenship within the United States and providing a brighter outlook for themselves. The DREAM Act may even curve the behavior of many children to do better in school and remove themselves from negative influences if they were at risk of not being accepted due to the fact that they are involved in criminal or gang related activities.

Parents should apply for the opportunity to have their children remain in school and have a better chance of life. Along with this motivation to give their children a positive vehicle for education, parents should also strongly enforce good habits and instill good moral character into their children to prevent their chances going to waste. The consequences of not following the requirements will remove their temporary residency status and possibly provide a catalyst for the deportation process of these individuals. It is very important to have the children understand that this is one of their only chances to stay in the United States legally that they can accomplish on their own terms and arguably the best alternative to naturalization.

For information in Spanish visit Dream Act, el sueño de estudiantes indocumentados se define and the lastest update in El Dream Act 2010 fue rechazado por demócratas y republicanos.