Pending Legislation
In November, U.S. Sen. Richard Durbin, D-Ill., and 12 bipartisan co-sponsors reintroduced the DREAM (Development, Relief and Education of Alien Minors) Act. The bill was first introduced in 2003 by U.S. Sen. Orrin Hatch, R-Utah. Under the bill, students who have been in the United States for five or more years, were brought to America when they were 15 years old or younger, are high school graduates and have kept out of trouble with the law could apply for conditional lawful permanent resident status.
With that designation, the students could live legally in the United States for six years. During this time they would be required to graduate from a two-year college, complete two years towards a four-year degree or serve in the U.S. military for at least two years. They would also be eligible for financial aid, which is currently unavailable for them, although they can receive private loans or internal grants from individual universities. Residence would be granted if the student met these conditions and maintained “good moral character.” The National Immigration Law Center supports this bill, saying kids will be allowed to get on with their lives and start careers.
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