Name me one student who has been denied a free public education because of an undocumented student? I think such a case would be on every headline and a major source for another Gheen revenue scam.

Overcrowding of American public schools is not a new issue. Undocumented children did not cause overcrowding of public schools.

Before you go on about how the undocumented do not pay for their public education, they pay for it like any other renter-vicariously through the property taxes that their property owner pays. Also, there are many who do own homes and pay the property taxes that fund the monies for public education.

How do undocumented students pay tuition? They work. They work hard and study hard for a chance to succeed. They are not eligible for either the student loans or the pell grants that counted on for my education. I admire the focus, dedication, and hard work of these students. Where do they find the time to study when they work full time and go to school? Amazing! I would be fortunate to have these hard working, focused, and dedicated people as my neighbor.

Hey, db, I also have no sympathy for the plight of the "illegals". I do have empathy, compassion, and understanding for the humans caught up in the myriad of complex national and global issues that had resulted in our current system of an ineffective and unrealistic immigration policy.

No Human is illegal.

First, "You apply to enter our country.  You wait until it's legal then you come and become an American.  It is the only legal way to do it." Well db most DREAMies were brought here they did not decide to come here.  After years of doing what most minors do (follow and obey their parents) they are left in a predicament, a situation they did not anticipate themselves, undocumented with no means to adjust or do things 'right' as you suggest. Perhaps they could go back but for most it'd mean a ten year ban.  Perhaps they could go back but for many there is nothing to go 'back' to and probably don't know the language, customs etc.  You're telling them to go home and improve that home to a country they may not know anything about, that's sending the blind to lead the blind.  A clear example of how uninformed you are about these individuals' situation and how acute your view of the issue really is. 



"Imagine the American student that could not go to school because an illegal alien was taking up the space." - db Fairchild
there is plenty of college space at institutions of higher education in the States most being community colleges where the only acceptance criteria is the will to learn and a high school diploma.  The only way one would not attend is if they don't have the will or the HS diploma.  Do we need to lower the criteria just to will in American Institutions of Higher Learning? Now, the elite institutions of higher learning like four year universities of course have higher acceptance criteria mostly revolving on proved academic performance, it's a competition per say.  Competition is as American as apple pie, are you saying that we citizenship makes up for proved academic excellence in America?  Are we saying that American students who are raised along with other DREAMies cannot achieve the academic criteria asked for by most universities regardless on how much DREAMies have against them?  Are we saying that we don't like competition now?  Let's not start just blaming others for what we can't achieve.  College is available to most if they so desire but some colleges will only take the brightest from the international pool specially in American institutions.  That is why American institutions are so highly regarded around the world.  Now if you take some of the competition away what will that say about the American institutions? 


How are they paying for college? Well there is many ways and federal aid is not the only way.  If you meet DREAMies you'll find out that they most likely take whatever job they can get regardless of the pay to comply with the financial requirements their education entails.  They are hard workers and already assimilated individuals ready to educate themselves and become legitimized contributing members of the mainstream economy.  Isn't this what we need in America? How is this stealing? 


"Now you have an education and no job.  Go home and work hard to improve your home."  Really?  You really think its best to send educated individuals out of the states?  Have you thought about how much in tax revenue these individuals can bring into the system over their entire possible professional career?  Have you thought about how many new recruits the U.S. military could be missing out?  The U.S. has invested so much in these individuals whouldn't it make more sense to get that investment back through MORE taxes and/or military service?  The lack of financial common sense in your suggestion is as narrow minded as your overall opinion in this issue.   The DREAM Act is a return on investment.  Blanka can explain it better to you since she's the expert in this subject. 



"I am fighting to remove people like you from our country." What you're fighting against bright individuals wanting to educate themselves? Fighting bright individuals wanting to join the military?  Fighting the possibility of higher tax deductions that can come from these individuals if allowed to become legitimized tax payers?  If you're fighting against DREAMies you're not really fighting for what's best for America, you're fighting for what you think its best according to you.  Read the DREAM Act, meet the students, see the potential and Pass the DREAM Act. 

hi db your friend has no desire to go to college or else she would find a way, don't punish the babies for their parents sin you are heartless

DB-

Your friend has a right and most likely can go to college... question is, does she have the will?  Don't blame me and other undocumented students for your friend's unwillingness or whatever the case may be, to go to college.  If it's money that's the issue, there are many, many undocumented students who take one class at a time because that's all they can afford and yet they still push through and graduate. 

Your friend can work here legally, thus it is easier for her to find a job.  If she is acedemically prepared and can work to pay for even one class of college per semester, then why isn't she going?  You said she's a hard worker.  If she is, she can go to college.

I don't take anything away from American citizens.  I have not used any federal money to pay for college.  My aunt pays for it out of her own pocket.  My aunt who is a citizen mind you, paid for my elementary and high school education as well, through her taxes.  That's who paid for my education.  And guess what, she's paying for other kids as well, regardless of their status because she believes every child should be entitled to an education. 

Finally, the choice to come here was not mine to make.  My parents decided to send me here.  If you have read my story, you would have known that, but instead you just assume things.  If I could have decided on my own to come here I would have informed myself of the immigration process and would have gone through it. I don't know... I guess at just 10 years old, I should have known that if you overstay your visa, you are undocumented.  Geez, my bad.  Didn't know a 10 year old was supposed to know the United States immigration process.

Awesome post Blanka! Excellent response as well. I hope to work with you more in 2009 to pass the dream act.

DB-

I have a feeling I know exactly what those initials stand for. 

I am a natural born American citizen, a college graduate, and a high school teacher.  I can tell you that undocumented children play no role in the over crowdedness of schools or your friends inability to go to college.  There are plenty of options for her to enter a college of her choice.  There are community colleges, technical institutions, and universities at her disposal.  The fact that she is not attending any of those options has nothing at all to do with immigrants, "legal" or "illegal".

Furthermore, how dare you attack individuals who want to help this country, and become active and engaged citizens of this country?  It is embarrassing to the citizens of this country to hear your filth and hatred.  I cannot wait to see the day that DREAM Act passes and these hard working and dedicated people can finally help this country.  God knows this nation needs it.

On a special note: Dreamies, I apologize on behalf of these ignorant people.  Please realize there are many American citizens like myself whose families have lived in the United States for generations that support you and your movement.  You are wonderful people and we know that.  Do not let go of hope because this dream will become a reality.

DB,  

You’re not very understanding.  The truth is you’d be singing a different song if you were brought here as a child and were “illegal” by no fault of your own.  The other thing you don’t understand is the DREAM Act.  If you actually read the proposal, you’d agree that passing this act would benefit Americans.  I’m guessing you’re not going to read this but if you do, I’d like you to know that the DREAM Act will get passed because the people voting on it aren’t like you.  They’re more understanding.  They realize that not everything is black and white.  They know that even laws have grey areas that must be addressed.   

t

Blanka, it doesn't rain forever. I am so proud of you, for the courage and discipline you show. Know that you are not alone, know that we will win this fight. We are not staying undocumented and in the shadows forever. The day is coming and it is closer than anyone realizes. This is our home and no one can take that away from US. 

It's a sad world we live in when we blame innocent victims,children no less, for bad legal advice.There are always consequences to the choices we make. Blanka has made all the right choices. She's worked hard, studied even harder and volunteered for worthy causes in order that others may be helped. She's proven her dedication to this country by the way she has lived her life and deserves all the rights and priviledges that I have received just by being born here. She deserves it even more than I do...she has far surpassed my accomplishments and I would be proud to have her be a citizen of the United States of America. Maybe DB, you can understand it in this way... Just because you can conceive a child does not make you a good parent. It takes hard work,love, compassion, understanding, strength,devotion and much more. Becoming a citizen is more than a piece of paper. It is how you live and work in this country that proves you are worthy and Blanka has proven in no uncertain terms she has earned the right to live freely in this country. I'm sure you can think of many many "CITIZENS" who are far from being productive members of our society. The consequence for Blanka and all the others like her should be to PASS the DREAM ACT now!  Show some humanity.

on second thought db you should be ashamed about your friends plight, it seems like she is not very ambitious at all, the sky is the limit for her but clearly from your testimony she thinks the gorund is, i hope she'll get the courage to go to college it's not too late give the kids a break

I am disgusted by the hatred and ignorance on both sides of this argument. This is not the sort of dialogue that finds a solution to any problem.

Charlie Reed is right...but an aside...
The way this country is set up, illegal immigrants do take up resources that cost money, and through not paying taxes, the bills are all put on actual tax payers. Illegal immigrants, being untaxed, typically take undocumented jobs and, typically, make less than they deserve, from someone who is exploiting both them and the system.
 Illegal immigrants are people who have rights, but the system is not made to support them, so the system should be changed, which is the point of this. Get off your teams and approach this objectively.

I don't see illegal aliens as "invaders and infiltrators" but as people, who want the same chances we have in this country, but oftentimes don't even appreciate.
I grew up going to school with migrant workers' children, some or whom couldn't speak English when they first started coming to class. Who knows how many were "legal or illegal?"
All I know is, they're hardworking people, who are willing to put up with poor working conditions and cheap wages just to be here and have a job. What would we do, I wonder, if they all just walked off their jobs? Their contribution to America is more than we think.
Blanka,  I admire your courage and your ambition. Your story is awesome, so is your defense. Keep up the good work.

Great post, Blanka.

Many undocumented immigrants do pay taxes.  http://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=1292960

"not only do undocumented immigrants pay the same taxes that U.S. citizens and documented residents pay, but in addition they are subject to and pay what I am describing as 'the undocumented immigrant tax.' The undocumented immigrant tax is effectively an additional tax burden, a surtax or tariff on undocumented immigrants and their families. As a result, not only do undocumented immigrants pay taxes, but they bear a greater tax burden than similarly situated U.S. citizens and documented residents. "

Also, a reminder:

http://immigration.change.org/blog/view/a_note_on_comments

get back to the main point,we are talking about undocumented student who needs higher education so they can contribute meaningful to this blessed country, for once lets put politics aside and pass the dream act its for innocent kids not adults if not we going to have class of uneducated immigrants who will be a drag on society ,relax give them a chance

Here's some insight into my peculiar psychology.

For me, all-capsing the word 'illegal' is like waving a red flag in front of a bull.  My instant and overwhelming urge is to delete the comment, regardless of what else it contains.  I'm sure you won't have this problem at ALIPAC or any one of the number of blogs that are not titled "Immigrant Rights."

Now you know.

Elliot,

If you have read my story you would see that many of the things you state are not true.  And I would like you to actually read the text of the DREAM Act because you obviously do not know what it entails. 

First,  the DREAM Act will give conditional residency to individuals who qualify, thus during and after college they will be able to work and contribute taxes to the U.S.  Also, if a person is here on a legal student visa, they are not illegal.  What you said is an oxymoron.

Second, the whole in-state tuition issue is not even relevant.  The DREAM Act does not say that undocumented students will receive in-state tuition.  Right now only about 10 states do offer in-state tuition to undocumented students, but only to those who have lived there for at least three years and have graduated from that state's high schools.  All states give this right to American citizens. 

As explained many times before, an undocumented immigrant living in lets say Wisconsin will not be able to receive in-state tuition in Illinois.  However, if they do live in in Illinois they do benefit from it.  That goes the same for citizens.  If a citizen lived in WI, but wanted to go to school in IL, they would have to pay out of state tuition rates.  Undocumented students are not receiving a better deal than their citizen counterparts.  Please educate yourself on this and make a valid argument.

Second, if you had actually read my story, you would have found out that I didn't come here with my parents.  My parents still live in Croatia along with my siblings.  I was sent here to live with my aunt and uncle.  Also, even if a student had come here with their parents and now everyone is undocumented, it is not the child's fault.  The child did not commit any crime.  Their parents did. 

So, to go hand in hand with your robber story, the parents committed the crime and they went to jail; the kids were let go because they did not do anything wrong.  Just as it is with this immigration issue.  And yes, the child in the robbery case does not receive the money the parent's stole, but how could they when the parents got caught and didn't actually steal the money? hehe.  But seriously, they obviously wouldn't get to keep the money, instead, the child would receive help and a better place to live, just like a DREAMer.  An undocumented student did not commit the crime, but instead of being punished, the DREAM Act will help him/her become a contributing member of American society.

Finally, using caps locks doesn't make your argument better, it just makes you look immature.  People are not blind. 

What facts? You haven't provided any facts, Elliot. Also, please refrain from using caps. Like I said, it does not make your argument better.

Elliot,

I actually did read your post before it was deleted.  You did in fact say that "if an illegal alien was here on a legal student visa..." If an illegal alien was here on a legal student visa, they wouldn't be illegal now, would they?  Like I said, oxymoron.

"I have read your story and made SOME comments that were not DIRECTLY related to your particular story, but related to ILLEGAL aliens who were brought here of no choice of their own."

Thank you for agreeing that we came here by no choice of our own.  You understand that we were not at fault then. Thank you.

You are also right in saying that if you live in a state for three years or more you are not a citizen of that state... This is true.  However, you are a resident. Maybe not legal, but you are a resident of that state. 

Again you say that "If an ILLEGAL alien gets in state tuition, then they are considered "in state residents" when they are in fact not. That is preferential treatment not given to AMERICAN CITIZENS."  This "preferential treatment" is given to American citizens.  Did you not read my explanation?  Undocumented students are residents of that state and those 10 states believe they should receive in-state tuition.  American citizens DO receive this treatment as well. Read my example again.  Maybe you will get it this time.

If you knew how the immigration process works you would find out that it can take years to come into this country via petition by immediate relative.  If the DREAM Act passes it will not encourage chain migration.  By the time we become citizens, 6 years would have already passed, possibly more.  By the time we could petition for someone, it could take another 10+ years for them to come in.  That's 16+ years that an immediate relative might be able to come into the U.S.  So there will not be a huge influx of more immigrants coming in.  By immediate, I mean parents, spouses, children and siblings.  Citizens of this country cannot petition their aunts, uncles, cousins, etc. to come into the U.S. 

Taken directly from the I-130 Petition for Alien Relative Form:

1. If you are a U.S.citizen you must file a separate Form I-130 for each eligible relative. You may file a Form I-130 for:
A. Your husband or wife;
B. Your unmarried child under age 21;
C. Your unmarried son or daughter age 21 or older;
D. Your married son or daughter of any age;
E. Your brother(s) or sister(s) (you must be age 21 or older);
F. Your mother or father (you must be age 21 or older).

2. If you are a lawful permanent resident of United States, you may file this form for:
A. Your husband or wife;
B. Your unmarried child under age 21;
C. Your unmarried son or daughter age 21 or older.

It also shows who is not eligible.  Here's the link to the FACT: http://www.uscis.gov/files/form/I-130instr.pdf

No human is illegal.  People may commit certain illegal acts, but it does not make themselves illegal.  Like that robbery example you provided.  Is the parent who stole money now illegal since he committed a crime?  No.  He is considered a criminal.  DREAMers are neither illegal nor criminals.   

Like I said, I did read your post before it was deleted and I did not find any facts to support your arguments.  If you do decide to provide facts, please site sources from credible organizations.  You simply stated your opinion.  While that is perfectly fine to do, it is wise to provide credible sources to back up your opinion if you wish to engage in a debate such as this one. 

I believe the whole entire immigration system should be redone.  I won't get into on what I think should be done because that could take a while.  I do understand that people break laws and they should be punished, but I also understand the needs people have and why they come here illegally or legally and overstay their visas. And I understand the kids should not be punished by the decisions of their parents, thus the DREAM Act needs to become a reality.

Sorry Dave. I keep responding to Elliot and then realize his posts have been deleted for obvious reasons. If you need, you can delete my post since I did quote some of the things he said. 

Also, thank you to all who support us DREAMies.  Undocumented students can not express the gratitude we have for those who understand our plight and the unfairness we have endured.  Thank you for your support!

"Hence why chain migration is so damaging to our country."

That's a conclusion, not an argument.  Why is chain migration through lawful channels damaging to our country?

Siblings of parents become eligible 11 years after the parents become citizens, which is five years after they get their green cards, which is between 6 months and a year or more depending on how it is processed.  So that's a minimum of 17 years through lawful channels before siblings can come over. 

What's the argument again for why chain migration through lawful channels is bad for this country?  Please quote Huntington or Borjas at least once in your response. 

I am in a very similar situation, so I know exactly what you are going through. My parents brought my sister and I to the U.S when I was 14. I  entered high school not speaking any English and by senior year I was enrolled in A.P English. I graduated top 5% of my class of almost 700 students and was accept to 8 different universities. My parents put all their efforts into paying my college tuition with money from cleaning houses and doing construction work (in my home country my mom was a dentist and my father was a veterinarian). They have always paid taxes and have never even received a speeding ticket.
 However, it got to a point were  they were not able to keep paying for my tuition and I had to stop going to school in my senior year. My little sister is also graduating high school  with an outstanding G.P.A and she will not be able to attend college because, like myself, she does not qualify for any financial aid/scholarship/loan.
It is so sad to see other people in my situation and even sadder to read these ignorant and negative comments. On the other hand, I am so happy to know that there are supportive people out there that understand and support our cause- I believe that together we can make this dream a reality,and this country a better place.

Like I said, waving a flag in front of a bull.

Thank you blanka and thank you to all those who support the Dream Act.  Like many of you who will read this I too am in the same situation.  I graduate in May 2009.  I've had various graduate assitant job offers and for obvious reasons can not accept any of them. 
The way I look at the situation is that God has heard our prayers, felt our hurt and by His word He will deliver us.  Yes this requires patience and although it feels like each day is an eternity just remember God is God and His promise is definite.

Luke 1:37 "For nothing is impossible with God"
James 1:2-4 "Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him. But when he asks, he must believe and not doubt, because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. That man should not think he will receive anything from the Lord; he is a double-minded man, unstable in all he does."

Sorry if this offends anyone, but this is what keeps me going. 
Have faith.

All capsing 'illegal' multiple times in your comment is by definition disrespectful.  You knew what would happen when you did that.

I've seen Beck's presentation.  It is compelling if you know little else about the law or history of immigration.  It is well done, though, and his point about migration not being sufficient to bring developing countries out of poverty is well taken.  Though I don't see him supporting the measures that could be taken to reduce poverty in and migration from Mexico, so I have to question the depth of his concern for impoverished Mexicans.
http://www.alternet.org/immigration/118048/a_better_way_to_end_unauthorized_immigration/?page=entire 

Nick West offered:

"The way this country is set up, illegal immigrants do take up resources that cost money, and through not paying taxes, the bills are all put on actual tax payers. Illegal immigrants, being untaxed..."

Say what? They do not pay taxes? Let us go to the slow motion instant replay.

Many communities are having budget shortfalls due to the lack of revenue caused by diminishing sales tax. Everyone pays sales tax when they purchase an item. Yes, even the undocumented worker. When the undocumented rent, they vicariously pay property taxes. They also pay the municipal fees attached to their utilities and phone bill.

Yes, Nick, they do pay taxes.Also, I am sure you know that they can pay federal taxes and file a tax return with an individual taxpayer identification number.

Out here in Utah the reduction in sales tax revenue will cause many social services to be cut. Many of these said social services cut are not available to the undocumented work force.

I probably pay less tax than the undocumented worker due to the "welfare" privilege I have in the form of multiple tax deductions for my health care premiums and expenses, my paid mortgage interest, my government-approved heterosexual marriage deduction, my paid student loan interest, and for my at-home children of age. I get back a healthy refund every year. Heck, when we look at it from this angle, the undocumented may pay more taxes than you, assuming you take the same common deductions, and I.

Nick finished with:

"...approach this objectively."

I wish we would. I wish we would.

Advocacy mobilization will be key to getting the DREAM Act passed. People with views like those of Elliot and DB Fairchild will never agree with the rest of us. We should be wary of them in real life, oppose them publicly when at all possible, and stop wasting our time arguing with them here.

I'll say it again: they will *never* be convinced. Like abortion, there is no middle ground on this issue and no room for conversion.

Maybe I come across as harsh here, but I follow the policy of "no tolerance for intolerance."  I have disowned several family members over what I call "irreconcilable ideological differences."

Oh, and Dave is not a government agent and this is a privately-run forum, so he's not infringing on your First Amendment of other rights by deleting your comments or banning you. Anyone can be summarily banned for anything, and NO, Dave does not have to justify his decisions.

Majority of the country opposes this bill.

The majority of this country does not oppose this bill.

The reason your comments are deleted, Elliot and Yosemity, is because of your overwhelming use of caps and immaturity (mostly coming from Yosemity).  While I commend people for being respectful even when faced with opposing views, it is hard when you "scream" false accusations.

I have to remind you that this post is about the DREAM Act, not CIR.  If you want to make comments about CIR, do so on the right posts.  We are talking about children who had no choice about the decisions of their parents and are thus stuck in limbo.  Passing the DREAM Act will help not only DREAMers, but American citizens as well.

Blanka, don't even try reasoning with them. If you can, delete their comments.

TL- I don't have the authority to delete their comments, Dave does that.  And I would love to ignore them, but I have seen that through reason some people who have previously been opposed to any kind of immigration bill, have actually started to understand why the DREAM Act is important to everyone, including citizens.  I doubt that Elliot and Yosemite will listen to any of this, but it was worth a try.

Obama will take care of his people, all of his people.  I have to ask, what is the relevance behind the cigarette tax?  I am pretty confident that the rise in cigarette tax is due to the fact that state and local governments are trying to stop young individuals from starting to smoke, thus the increase in tax and restriction of smoking in public areas.  Please stick to the issue of the DREAM Act, its quite irritating to read useless jargon about irrelevant topics.  Thanks.

I'm sorry, but I had to preserve this fragment of the comment I deleted: "ILLEGALs GET OFF THE AMERICAN TIT."

lol

At the risk of being crude, I'm thinking the government should rework this into a slogan of some sort:

"USCIS: Helping Immigrants Find the American Tit Since 2003." 

Or "Border Patrol - Hands Off the American Tit! - Now Hiring."

Suggestions?

Regardless if you are a smoker or not, the cigarette tax has no relavence to this topic.  Please stick to the DREAM Act or don't comment at all.

Also, I'm not special... I'm American as much as anyone who actually has that important piece of paper. I have lived here for more than half my life. This is my home and I will fight for my right to stay here regardless of what you say.  By the way... I do pay for my education and necessities through the help of my aunt... no government money to help me out.  

YS... you're in a completely different world.  How hard is it to stick to the topic? You can't read or something?

I don't receive student loans.  I don't see how your comment about the single mom has any relavance to the DREAM Act. No one can take you seriously.

How could anyone take YS seriously.  Just look at the name, I feel like I am watching a Saturday morning cartoon.

First off, again you have no concept of staying on task.

Secondly, you cannnot spell or write in complete and competent sentences.
(i.e. American tax payor money)
(i.e. I won't even to into Bush and his blunders.)

Finally, if you are talking about the cost of the festivities being 15 million dollars, think of how much money these festivities have produced for the American economy.  People are traveling, staying in hotels, buying clothes and food.  Nice try and keep working on those complete sentences, you'll get there someday.

Thanks Cal for your support.  Way to call Mr. Sam out on his grammar mistakes.  They were bugging me too, but I figured I'd let it go for now.

This place has become an Alipac freak show.

There are too many comments that leave me laughing so I will just take one.

Yosemite Sam wrote:

"Don't like like such a punk I you don't like what you'r hearing."

Say what? English Only? The irony...

I guess they do not teach English in Cartoon Land.

Closing this thread.

Thank you for your well written post Blanka. I understand exactly what you're going through as an undocumented student who has given her very best, hoping that one day, your exemplary conduct will count for something.

Most people argue this matter in terms of education, student aid, social security, human rights, etc... and I've never seen it go anywhere. Everyone's minds are made up before they even enter the argument. So, I'm going to try a different approach. Let's talk about the military.

This post is meant for US patriots who oppose the dream act.

Americans are fortunate to not know what it feels to have planes flying about their cities and dropping bombs, and to hear machine gun fire cracking in their neighborhoods, either national or foreign. The only Americans who have a slight clue what that feels, are the soldiers who are doing precisely that in somebody else's country. I don't hear anybody calling "them" illegal, aliens, invaders, criminals... yet, US soldiers abroad are aliens and invaders, and they commit crimes which are justified under the excuse of war... which is, by the way, illegal. But instead, we call these men and women in uniform good, law abiding model citizens who do their duty for America and for world peace... through war.

This is not an attack on US soldiers, not at all. I don't attack anybody. I'm a pacifist. One of my best friends in the United States is a Marine, and he has the most noble reasons to be in the military. If he ever runs for office, I'd campaign for him because he understands right from wrong. His missions only involve humanitarian aid to disaster-torn nations and he has never hurt anybody. Other soldiers though, are not as lucky, and are put in harms way for political reasons that benefit only the ruling class. Yet, the US needs more soldiers, tens of thousands of them, to continue their agenda... call it world peace, call it imperialism, call it business... whatever you call it, they need more soldiers and thousands of Dream Act beneficiaries are waiting for a chance to jump in one of those uniforms.

In my experience, every anti-immigrant American I have met (interestingly, I have anti-immigrant friends too) are pro-military... Anti-immigrant and pro-military? I see a conflict here (pun intended).

What would have happened in WW2 if the United States had not allowed black men and immigrants (Italian, Irish, Mexican, etc) to enlist in the military? What would have happened to all those "White American" bomber pilots and crew who returned home for having been escorted by the Tuskegee Airmen, America's first black military airmen (with the highest escort success in the war), at a time when these white American "patriots" thought that black men lacked intelligence, skill, courage and patriotism. Sound familiar?

Through immigration reforms like the Dream Act, the US could afford to have the man power to continue their military campaigns abroad and to bring home the American soldiers who have fought long and hard, and replace them with motivated new recruits who are eager to wear that uniform and go to war as proud American Citizens.

So, you don't like immigrants? That's ok, I'm not trying to convince you to like anybody. But if you support your military, and you want your brothers to return home (and get rid of a bunch of stinking immigrants in the process), then the Dream Act is for you!