The DREAM Act – YouTube

What does it mean for a student to be undocumented?  If you are not:  A US Citizen  Legal permanent resident and do not possess a green card, visa, etc., you are considered an Undocumented Immigrant

What does being undocumented affect a students’ college options?  An undocumented student can apply and go to college  They cannot, however, apply for federal financial aid using the FAFSA

What are some people in the government of the US doing to fix this situation?  In order to address the situation of undocumented students in the US, a bill was introduced in 2001 that would provide a legal pathway for students to become documented.  This bill is called the Dream Act

What is the DREAM Act?  The Development, Relief, and Education for Alien Minors Act and a solution to the undocumented student’s problem.  The DREAM Act addresses the situation faced by young people who were brought to the US years ago as undocumented immigrant children  They have since grown up here, stayed in school, gotten jobs, paid taxes, etc.

Requirements of the DREAM Act  Within a period of time, a student would need to graduate form a 2-year college OR complete 2 years toward a 4-year degree OR serve in the military for at least 2 years.  If the above requirements are met, permanent residency would be granted.

How Does One Qualify?  1. The student must have been present in the US at least five years before the bill passes  2. The student must have been in the US when s/he was 16 years old or younger  3. The student must graduate from a US high school or receive a GED  Students would not qualify for this bill if they have committed crimes, are a security risk, etc.

Facts  Roughly 65,000 undocumented students graduate from high school that would qualify for the DREAM Act.  Currently, only a small fraction of undocumented students who graduate from high school go on to college.

 Define American: Jose's Story - YouTube Define American: Jose's Story - YouTube

 What did the DREAM Act intend to resolve?  What is good?  What is not good? What do you think arguments against the DREAM Act could be?  What questions do you have?

Cons  A form of amnesty – forgiveness for doing something illegal.  A naturalized US citizen can sponsor his or her parents for a green card (permanent residency). Critics say the DREAM Act adds a new path for immigrants to use their children to make their status legal.  The DREAM Act could allow undocumented immigrants to receive in-state tuition rates at public universities, putting US citizens from other states at an unfair disadvantage