Update on the DREAM Act

The DREAM Act was recently introduced for a third time by Senators Richard G. Lugar (R) and Dick Durbin (D) of Illinois.  According to Celina A. Weatherwax, Director of Senator Lugar’s Northwest Indiana Office, S. 729 has 20 co-sponsors and been referred to the Judiciary Committee. 

Briefly, the Act would make conditional legal status possible for undocumented high school graduates who meet specific criteria.  To be eligible under the terms of the Act, children who qualify must:

• have immigrated before the age of 16
• be long-term residents of the U.S. (at least five years)
• demonstrate good moral character
• either attend two years’ of higher learning or join the military

According to Senator Lugar’s office, between 50,000 and 70,000 undocumented students graduate from U.S. high schools annually; however, lacking legal status, they are usually unable to attend college or to join the military.  Drop-out statistics indicate that some 30% of Hispanic high school students drop out of high school before graduation.  Given the incentive to complete high school and to either attend college or pursue a military career, many more will opt to stay in school and continue to a more productive citizenship in the future. 

Go to www.lugar.senate.gov/dream/ for more information.  Since the “hot button” immigration issues have subsided, there is more optimism for passage of the DREAM Act.  We invite Carolina TESOL members to support and advocate for passage.