DREAM Act Re-Introduced
Published March 26, 2009 @ 09:15PM PT
Cross-posted from the Ideas for Change "Pass the Dream Act" blog, courtesy of DreamACTivist.
It is here as expected. The DREAM Act is once again alive and kicking. And it is up to us now to help it make it past the finishing line.
According to the National Immigration Law Center press release, the bill has strong sponsorship among both Democrats and Republicans:
Senators
Russell Feingold (D-WI)
Edward Kennedy (D-MA)
Patrick Leahy (D-VT)
Joe Lieberman (I- CT)
Mel Martinez (R-FL)
Harry Reid (D-NV)House of Representatives
Joseph Cao (R-LA)
John Conyers, Jr. (D-MI)
Devin Nunez (R-CA),
Mario Diaz-Balart (R-FL)
Zoe Lofgren (D-CA)
Jared Polis (D-CO)
Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R-FL)
Representative Zoe Lofrgen, Chairperson of the Immigration Subcommittee stated:
As a nation, we face an increasingly competitive global market. To effectively compete in this new interconnected global market, we must ensure that we have the most educated workforce in the world. Whether in college or in the military, we must give all qualified young people the opportunity to get an education. These determined and dedicated young people need the chance to become productive members of our society. Penalizing them hurts us all
Reportedly, criticisms about the DREAM Act from grassroots activists are addressed in the new bill that stipulates no age limits and also allows states to give in-state tuition to students that would qualify.
Citizen Orange has been doing an incredible job this week of rolling out the actions online while students from DreamActivist, USSA and other groups lobbied Congress. Here are some things you can do to support the DREAM Act:
1. CALL - The National Council of La Raza has a page to help you call your congressional representatives in support of the DREAM Act.
http://capwiz.com/nclr/callalert/index.tt?alertid=129886012. FAX - America's Voice has a page to help you fax your congressional representatives in support of the DREAM Act.
http://americasvoiceonline.org/page/speakout/DaretoDream3. EMAIL - Change.org has a page to help you email your congressional representatives in support of the DREAM Act.
http://www.change.org/ideas/932/view_action/ask_your_congressperson_to_support_the_dream_act4. PETITION - Dreamactivist.org has the official petition in support of the DREAM Act.
http://dreamact2009.com/5. TEXT - Text "Justice" ("Justicia" for Spanish) to 69866 to be the first to know when the DREAM Act is introduced. [Ed. - Since you've presumably been reading the preceding words in this post, you may already be aware of when the DREAM Act is being reintroduced. So sign up for the next announcement, action alert, etc.] FIRM's Mobile Action Network is an excellent way to stay connected and have maximum impact at just the right moment.
http://fairimmigration.wordpress.com/2009/03/20/action-join-the-fight-for-immigrant-rights/
We will be back with more news, actions and videos.
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Comments (23)
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David is an attorney in Philadelphia, PA, where he helps immigrants to the U.S. navigate the complex immigration legal system. Views he expresses at change.org are his alone and don't represent the views or opinions of his employer, Nationalities Service Center. The information contained on this site is intended for educational and advocacy purposes only.
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This is about giving these youth a chance to share their talents with all of America.
I can feel Change coming around the corner.
Posted by Pete Coyotl on 03/26/2009 @ 10:48PM PT
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I'm a little iffy with the Military part, BUT its something right :D
i'll take it, if it helps my friends then, I'm down 100%.
Posted by Janeth Herrera on 03/26/2009 @ 11:38PM PT
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Thanks for your work and support for the DREAM Act.
For the record, the list of cosponsors leaves out the lead Rebublicans in the House (Lincoln Diaz-Balart (R-FL)) and Senate (Richard Lugar (R-IN)). It also does not mention who the sponsors are: Senator Richard Durbin (D-IL) and Representative Howard Berman (D-CA).
It You may want to update the post.
Posted by Josh Bernstein on 03/27/2009 @ 04:47AM PT
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Josh,
I came to the US with my parents when I was 8. I am now 24. I finished high school, and was able to go to college. I graduated 2 years ago with a degree in Economics and it was until then than i learned that my dad had overextended his work visa. I have never worked because now i know it would be against the law, and still live with my parents, waiting for an opportunity to be legalized. How would the DREAM ACT would benefit me? And my two sisters, one of which is half way thorugh college and the other about to finish high school (ranked #4 ih her class of 540 peers)? I am so hopeful.
Posted by Chad Alvarez on 03/27/2009 @ 10:31AM PT
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You would be granted conditional residency for six years which means you can work, drive, pursue further education etc.
Same for your sisters.
Posted by Prerna Lal on 03/28/2009 @ 04:56PM PT
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I am not happy with the military component as well. It would be better if they had another option for volunteer service. This, those who feel that college is not the best option at this time will have something other than the military but still be of service to the nation. Still, my support for this is unwavering. We must show our support to help thousands come out of the shadows.
Call, fax, e-mail, yell, and show your support for this bill. We must let our unified voices be heard this time around.
Posted by Pete Coyotl on 03/27/2009 @ 07:26AM PT
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I agree with you Mr Coyotl, Obama did mention some volunteer service for college students seeking financial aid in college, why not apply that to the Dream Act? They can do community service, improve their city AND at the same time go to college to obtain their degrees :)
Posted by Janeth Herrera on 03/28/2009 @ 12:05AM PT
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I'm a American-Hispanic and a member of the group "You don't speak for me". I don't support any Amnesty of any type for illegal aliens. Why should our American government take care of people who don't belong in this Country? Illegal aliens are taking a lot of good things away from American Citizens, especially American Jobs. Not only they take jobs away from American Citizens, They take jobs away from legal immigrants as well. No more amnesties should be granted for illegal aliens and all the incentives should be strip from all immigration law breakers!
Posted by Christian Santana on 03/27/2009 @ 09:09AM PT
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Mr Santana, no offense, but what does your ethnicity have to do with this thread?
The Dream act is not Amnesty to the CHILDREN brought here at a young age, by their parents; It is an opportunity that allows undocumented students to obtain their higher education. Do you support ignorance to willing students that want to improve their community, the U.S?
Oh and please enlighten me on the good things undocumented students take from American citizens? (Because you know this thread is about the DREAM ACT, and NOT about immigration reform) What jobs do they take from American workers that they would LOVE to do.
Posted by Janeth Herrera on 03/28/2009 @ 12:18AM PT
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(Just when I thought Mr. Bennion had beaten the, "immigration subject," into the dirt.)
Really Mr.Thialfad, population growth? Are you kidding me? So, maybe there should be a bill stipulating how many kids immigrants can have.( Don't be dumb.) Why didn't you just write, your raciest, and certian ethnic groups have more children than others.
Posted by L.S. hope on 03/27/2009 @ 10:01PM PT
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im not racist, neither i discriminate... but i hear some of you talk about everything turning into spanish, and stores written in spanish lettering... people building spanish communities and females laying alot of babies. wich is not right.
out of the whole pool of people, the jewish community is the one that has the most kids (6 +). some escape taxes like that. they have hebrew lettering all over and have their own private schools. their own private police and own private buses. if you live in NY, then you know what i mean. you walk in those communities and you wonder if ur still in the U.S or not. and most illegal immigrants work for jewish owners; owning businesses.
the reason i made the above contradition is not to offend anyone, but to show you not to shift all ur problems and blame to one particular group.
according to the land mass of this country, the population of 300+ million is not too much, dont forget that other than Florida, New York, California, Chicago, every other state has a low population. the middle of the U.S is empty in a way.
plus, the more population = the more demand to build a product = the more people needed for work. im not saying we should all have 5 kids, but dont forget that these days is not easy to raise them...
now i dont see why all these companies, dell, boing, ibm, microsoft, to send job overseas... its sad b/c all these jobs could be for someone here in the states.
Posted by Alex Shqipe on 03/28/2009 @ 07:45AM PT
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I'm ecstatic that the DREAM Act has been re-introduced in the House and Senate. Thank you to Senator Durbin who has been persistent in this matter in making sure we address this very critical issue of children who are American by all definitions, went through all the schooling, speak the language, and this is the only place they know but they just don't have a SSN since they never chose to come here. This will help so may people I know and went to school with who had such great potential but lost hope because there were no other options for them. They live invisible lives and have distanced themselves from their dreams. But with this piece of legislation, they will have the opportunity to turn their lives around and become a productive member of this society. This will help them feel good about themselves while the U.S. can collect all their tax dollars. With the DREAM Act, everyone wins!
Posted by Amy Eusebio on 03/29/2009 @ 07:51AM PT
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I'm very excited about the DREAM ACT. I'm one of those people who came to this country at the age of 13 with a tourist visa, graduated high school, and finished a 4 year college degree. If the DREAM ACT gets through, I would do any volunteer work that they ask of me for that one chance to work in my field. I'm a person of good character, good moral, and do no harm.
Posted by Adriana Sanchez on 03/29/2009 @ 10:34PM PT
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The DREAM Act gives amnesty to anyone who says they came to this country before they were 16 and also claim they will go to College--which can just be a one year vocational class. Over two million illegal aliens are eligible for this amnesty--and that's assuming there won't be any fraud. Like all their amnesties this is riddled with loopholes that will make it even worse than advertised.
Illegal aliens applying for the DREAM Act are not required to give their fingerprints or undergo a criminal background check.Any illegal alien under 30 who claims he came to the country before he was 16 is eligible for the amnesty, and cannot be deported pending the application.The DREAM Act will not stop with one amnesty. Illegal aliens-even ones who would not be eligible today-can continue to apply for this amnesty for yearsOnce the children of illegal aliens get amnesty, then they can sponsor their parents and other family members.
Posted by Kurt Thialfad on 03/31/2009 @ 01:18PM PT
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Again, you don't seem able to fight this bill on the merits, but rather resort to mischaracterizing what it says.
Where does it say in the Dream Act that there will be no background checks? There most assuredly will be background checks, as there are with any aspect of immigration if you so much as sneeze. One thing you know well if you've dealt with the system is that the government requires you to get fingerprinted like 10 million times. I guess that means you've never dealt with the system. Which would explain a lot.
It's not someone who "claims they will go to college," it's someone who actually completes two years of college. Trust me, the government will not just take people's word for it. If you've ever tried to prove anything to an immigration officer, you would know that it's not easy. They don't take your word about anything, everything must be documented.
Also it's not "just a one year vocational class." It's two years of college. Which you would know if you had bothered to read the Act or any summary of the Act.
I think I've seen you cut and paste this misinformation elsewhere. You are only discrediting yourself further by posting these lies.
Posted by Dave Bennion on 03/31/2009 @ 08:07PM PT
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Dave;
The text only specifies that the applicant have “good moral character.”. It doesn't specify how that standard will be determined, and it says nothing about submitting to fingerprinting, and certainly not 10 million times.
I think it would be important to have a cap on the numbers. If indeed there are 65,000 undocumented immigrants graduating from our high schools each year, then limit the number accepted into the program at 65,000 annually. This will cut down on fraud.
Also, include a sunset provision since with the beefed-up border enforcement, the number of illegals entering the US would be reduced, and thus the number of illegals eligible for the Dream Act would taper off.
Posted by Kurt Thialfad on 03/31/2009 @ 09:17PM PT
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"Good moral character" is a term of art included in the VAWA, voluntary departure, and naturalization context, among others, that is commonly interpreted to mean, among other things, absence of serious criminal convictions.
Anyone who files virtually any immigration form, whether it's for a work permit, green card, asylum application, travel document, or citizenship, has to be fingerprinted. Dreamers will not be exempt. If you believe they will, point to the evidence.
Posted by Dave Bennion on 03/31/2009 @ 09:28PM PT
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:)
Go Dave!
Posted by Janeth Herrera on 04/01/2009 @ 12:18AM PT
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Kurt,
besides fingerprinted, school acounts to determine if someone did actually graduated h.s in the U.S would be in computer databasis... you cant say you've done freshman year, took a barke and came back to get a diploma... everything is on the database, showing the amount of school done, from beggining to end. subtract the people who already have been fingerprinted (like myself) because they either entered legally or have filed for any form of relief; therefor are already on the system...
Dave, correct me if im wrong. this guy is sucking the life out of me :(
Posted by Alex Shqipe on 03/31/2009 @ 09:53PM PT
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Shqipe - you're wrong.
Posted by Kurt Thialfad on 04/01/2009 @ 11:05AM PT
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I fully support Education and believe that all should have the opportunity to achieve their educational dreams to the fullest. I support the Dream Act, and will continue to advocate for it. As a U.S. citizen, it is important to support this legislation and make others aware that this is not an immigration issue...but an education issue. We all know how difficult it is to be a student, even those of us that are able to sometimes apply for federal aide. I can only imagine how difficult it must be for students to not have any type of aide available, and on top of that, not be able to practice the profession they so tirelessly work for. Let's support! Let's advocate! Let's pass the DREAM Act! This message, is dedicated to all of my friends and other courageous students that fight everyday to pass this legislation. You are amazing and have my deepest admiration and respect! I support the DREAM Act!
Posted by Vanessa Castillo on 04/01/2009 @ 09:17PM PT
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Unfortunately, Venessa, the DREAM Act is about immigration, rather than education. With the exception of the in-state tuition provisions.
Granted, everybody should have the ability to pursue their own happiness, and I don't stand in their way (if I doesn't harm me), neither do I expect to subsidize their pursuits. The question is, to whom should the US government give priority in regard to educational funding and benefits; American students, or all students?
Posted by Kurt Thialfad on 04/02/2009 @ 10:57AM PT
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Kurt,
My youngerst sister was brought by my parents to the United States when she was 18 months old. Now she is a 17 year old junior in high school, doesn't speak a word of Spanish, she is Vice-President of the Student Council, member of the National Honor Society, and she is ranked #4 in a class of over 540 students with a GPA of 4.14. She wants to be a Nutritionist. Regardless of all of the terrible, wrong things my parents have made, regardless of all the rethoric and philosophy we can throw around... what about HER? What about her dreams in the only country she knows as Home? What about the people she could touch in a positive way with her career in Health Sciences? She will graduate with honors from high school, no doubt in my mind. And then what? Do we send her to clean houses with my mom?
What about me? My illegal dad busted his butt to put me though college and I have now a degree in Economics, all paid for without grants, scholarships, or financial aids, from Texas A&M University. But now I am a "roofer", I help side by side with my dad, putting roofs over the heads of many americans, doing a very hard job that not even U.S. citizens that dropped out of high school want to take.
They brought me when I was 7. We didn't chose to be brought to the US. Not any more than you chose whether to be born or not. But we are here now. Here we grew. Here we made our friends. Here we made our neighborhood. Our family, our church; here we volunteer, here we spend our money on food, housing, clothes, cars, gas, utilities, entertainment... This is the only life we know, just as you don't know any other life than the one you are living, Kurt. Now, imagine someone would come over one day and tell you: "Kurt, we know you didn't have a choice in being who you are and having the things you have and doing the things you've done because maybe you knew any better, but in reality you've got it all wrong and you shouldn't be here; as a matter of fact, why don't you go to a country you don't know, with a language you can't speak, and just wait there until we feel we can let you come back home again."
Posted by Chad Alvarez on 04/02/2009 @ 12:44PM PT
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