The Development, Relief, and Education for Alien Minors (DREAM) Act is a proposed legislation that has been discussed and debated in the United States Congress for over a decade. The bill seeks to provide a pathway to citizenship for young undocumented immigrants, also known as Dreamers, who were brought to the United States as children. The DREAM Act aims to remove barriers to higher education and employment, and enable Dreamers to contribute more fully to American society. In this article, we will examine the qualifications required for those wishing to benefit from the DREAM Act and discuss the impact this legislation could have on the lives of the millions of young immigrants who call the United States their home.
Background on the DREAM Act
The DREAM Act has been introduced to Congress several times since it was first proposed in 2001. The legislation has evolved over the years, with different versions of the bill featuring slightly differing qualifications, requirements, and overall objectives.
The most recent version of the DREAM Act was introduced in March 2021, a bill that aims to offer a pathway to citizenship for Dreamers, Temporary Protected Status (TPS) recipients, and individuals with Deferred Enforced Departure (DED) status. This iteration of the bill would grant Dreamers conditional permanent residency status for ten years, during which time they would be required to complete either a two-year college degree or two years of military service. Once the ten years are up, they would be eligible to apply for full legal permanent residency and eventual citizenship.
Qualifications for the DREAM Act
In order to benefit from the DREAM Act, an individual must meet several specific qualifications:
1. Age: In most versions of the DREAM Act, individuals must have arrived in the United States before the age of 16.
2. Length of residency: Applicants must have lived in the United States for a certain number of years. The period of time varies depending on the version of the DREAM Act. For example, the most recent version of the bill requires that applicants have lived in the United States for at least four years prior to its passage.
3. Education: The DREAM Act requires Dreamers to have obtained a high school diploma, GED, or an equivalent qualification.
4. Good moral character: Applicants must demonstrate good moral character, which can be assessed through background checks and other measures.
5. Criminal record: Applicants must have a clean criminal record. Any criminal convictions or other legal issues could make an applicant ineligible for the DREAM Act.
6. Military service: As mentioned, the most recent version of the DREAM Act includes a military service provision. Applicants may be required to serve in the military for a certain period of time in order to qualify for the bill.
Impacts of the DREAM Act
The implementation of the DREAM Act would have a profound impact on the lives of millions of people living in the United States. The legislation would ensure that Dreamers would have a clear and attainable pathway to citizenship, opening up new opportunities for employment, education, and civic participation.
Access to Higher Education
One of the most significant impacts of the DREAM Act would be the increase in access to higher education. Dreamers who are currently undocumented are often unable to attend college because they do not qualify for federal financial aid or in-state tuition rates. The DREAM Act would eliminate those barriers, making college and universities more accessible to a greater number of students.
Through its focus on education, the DREAM Act could help strengthen the American workforce. By providing Dreamers with access to the resources and training needed to obtain better jobs, the legislation has the potential to drive economic growth and boost the national GDP.
Strengthening of Communities
The DREAM Act would also lead to stronger and more vibrant communities. Dreamers are members of society who, despite being raised in the United States, lack the legal status necessary to fully participate in American life. The DREAM Act would rectify this issue, granting Dreamers the ability to work legally, vote, and fully contribute to their local communities.
Moreover, the DREAM Act has the potential to foster a greater sense of civic engagement and social cohesion throughout the country. As Dreamers become more integrated into American society, they will build stronger social ties and help bridge the gap between different communities in the United States.
Conclusion
The DREAM Act is a much-debated piece of legislation that seeks to provide a pathway to citizenship for millions of young people who were brought to the United States as children. With the passage of the DREAM Act, Dreamers would have access to affordable education, improved job prospects, and greater social and civic integration. As of March 2021, the most recent iteration of the DREAM Act has been introduced to Congress, marking yet another round of debate and discussion around what many advocates see as a critical piece of legislation. Regardless of what happens in the coming months and years, the DREAM Act will undoubtedly remain a key issue for policymakers and advocates who seek to promote a more inclusive and equitable society.
What is the Dream Act?
The DREAM Act, which stands for the ‘Development Relief and Education for Alien Minors’, is a proposed piece of legislation that was repealed by Congress on December 21st, 2010.
The Bill was intended to provide certain deportable alien students who graduated from US high schools, and who are of good moral character, to seek and subsequently earn conditional permanent residencies if they complete at least two years in the military or two years at a four year College or University.
The students or individuals who enter the military would obtain temporary residency for a six year period under the DREAM Act.
Who Qualifies for the DREAM Act?
In order to be eligible for the DREAM Act and subsequently receive the benefits offered, the candidate must meet the following credentials:
The applicant must have resided within the United States for no less than 5 years in consecutive fashion prior to enlisting in the armed forces or an accredited University.
The applicant must show proof that they had arrived to the United States prior to their 16th birthday.
The applicant must reveal a clean bill of health, the absence of a criminal record, and display characteristics considered to be moral.
The applicant must provide proof that they are between the age(s) of 12 and 30 upon passing of the Bill.
The applicant must have received the equivalent of an American High School Diploma or the acceptance to an institution of higher learning.
DREAM Act Legislation
If the DREAM Act was passed by Congress, it would have delivered the following benefits to those approved candidates, regardless of the likelihood of deportation: approved applicants would be granted conditional permanent residence subsequent to approval of the respective application.
To secure these benefits, the candidate would be required to complete one of the following requirements:
Prospective candidates would be required to serve no less than 2 years in the United States’ Military within 6-year duration of time.
If military service is not required, the DREAM Act candidate would be required to complete no less than 2 years at an accredited, 4-year higher education program within the expressed time period of 6 years. Following the completion of required study, the applicant would be given the opportunity to apply for educational loans, as well as permanent residency status.
Legal Assistance for DREAM Act Applicants
Those who are confused or have trouble grasping the requirements and the application process attached to the DREAM Act should incorporate an Immigration Attorney into their situation.
Immigration attorneys and legal professionals can be instrumental throughout the application process with regard to legality of status, the threat of deportation, or the attainment of permanent citizenship.
Legal professionals within the field of immigrationare well-versed in immigration legislation, form requirements, stipulations, and conditions applicable to Immigration Law in the United States.
Immigration attorneys will advise their respective clients by arranging paperwork, investigating immigration status, and ensuring the legality of all immigration-based activity and requests:
Other Information Associated with the DREAM Act
Form G-28: The Notice of Appearance for the Attorney or Representative presents the expressed permission on the part of the non-citizen for the presence of a hired attorney or approved representative with regard to an activity with regard to immigration.
Although the DREAM Act was repealed on December, 21st 2010, individual candidates for the proposed legislation are not subject to any action resulting from the repeal; individual immigration status is returned to the state in which it was prior to the presentation of the Bill.
