Dream Act

BREAKING News: 
The Federal DREAM Act to be introduced this week May 11,2011

The DREAM Act of 2011
The DREAM Act would allow a select group of immigrant students with great potential to
contribute more fully to America.  These young people were brought to the U.S. as children and
should not be punished for their parents’ actions.  The DREAM Act would give these students a
chance to earn legal status if they:
• Came to the U.S. as children (15 or under)
• Are long-term U.S. residents (continuous physical presence for at least five years)
• Have good moral character
• Graduate from high school or obtain a GED
• Complete two years of college or military service in good standing
The DREAM Act would benefit the U.S. Armed Forces.  Tens of thousands of highly-qualified,
well-educated young people would enlist in the Armed Forces if the DREAM Act becomes law.
The Defense Department’s FY 2010-12 Strategic Plan includes the DREAM Act as a means to help
“shape and maintain a mission-ready All Volunteer Force.”  Defense Secretary Gates, who supports
the DREAM Act, says it “will result in improved recruitment results and attendant gains in unit
manning and military performance.”  General Colin Powell has also endorsed the DREAM Act,
saying, “Immigration is what’s keeping this country’s lifeblood moving forward.”
The DREAM Act would stimulate the American economy.  A UCLA study concluded that
DREAM Act participants could contribute $1.4-$3.6 trillion to the U.S. economy during their
working lives.  New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg, who supports the DREAM Act, says,
“They are just the kind of immigrants we need to help solve our unemployment problem.  It is
senseless for us to chase out the home-grown talent that has the potential to contribute so
significantly to our society.”
The DREAM Act includes important restrictions to prevent abuse.  DREAM Act participants are
not eligible for Pell and other federal grants and are subject to tough criminal penalties for fraud.
DREAM Act applicants must apply within one year of obtaining a high school degree/GED or the
bill’s enactment, and must prove eligibility by a preponderance of the evidence.  To be eligible, an
individual must submit biometric information; undergo background checks and a medical exam;
register for the Selective Service; demonstrate the ability to read, write, and speak English; and
demonstrate knowledge of the history and government of the U.S.  An individual cannot qualify if
he or she is ineligible for immigration relief on criminal or national security grounds.
The DREAM Act has broad bipartisan support in Congress and from the American people.  In
the 111
th
Congress, the DREAM Act passed the House and received a strong bipartisan majority
vote from 55 Senators.  According to a recent poll by Opinion Research Corporation, 70% of likely
voters favor the DREAM Act, including 60% of Republicans.
The DREAM Act is supported by labor, business, education, civil rights and religious groups,
including the AFL-CIO, National Council of La Raza, the National PTA, the U.S. Conference of
Catholic Bishops, the U.S. Conference of Mayors, the CEOs of Fortune 100 companies like
Microsoft and Pfizer, and dozens of colleges and universities.