News / 

THE DREAM ACT

THE DREAM ACT


Save Story
Leer en español

Estimated read time: 3-4 minutes

This archived news story is available only for your personal, non-commercial use. Information in the story may be outdated or superseded by additional information. Reading or replaying the story in its archived form does not constitute a republication of the story.

Here is a brief synopsis of the act.

The Development, Relief and Education for Alien Minors Act (also called "The DREAM Act") is a highly contentious, bi-partisan bill that has been introduced several times in the United States Congress that would provide a path to citizenship for immigrant students and those wishing to join the United States military. Description of the Bill The DREAM Act is a one time solution intended to provide a path to a permanent legal status for persons brought to the United States by their parents or guardians as children. This includes individuals with a current legal immigration status, individuals whose parents attempted to immigrate legally but were then denied legality after several years in application, and those initially brought here illegally at a young age.

To qualify, the immigrant student or soldier would have to meet certain requirements such as:

Proof of having arrived in the United States at age 15 or younger. Proof of residence in the United States for a least five (5) consecutive years since their date of arrival. Must be between the ages of 12 and 30 at time of bill enactment. Having graduated from an American High School, or obtained a GED. "Good moral character," essentially defined as the absence of a significant criminal record (or any drug charges whatsoever). See below for more details. During the six years of conditional status, the eligible immigrant would be required to either (1) graduate from a two-year community college, (2) complete at least two years towards a 4-year degree, or (3) serve two years in the U.S. military. After the six year period, an immigrant who meets at least one of these three conditions would be eligible to apply for legal permanent resident (green card) status. During their temporary time, immigrants would not be eligible for federal higher education grants such as Pell grants, though they would be able to apply for student loans and work study.

If the immigrant does not meet the educational or military service requirement within the six year time period, her or his temporary residence would be revoked and he or she would be subject to deportation. During the six years, the immigrant must not commit any crimes other than those considered non-drug related misdemeanors, regardless of whether or not they have already been approved for permanent status at the end of their six years. Being convicted of a major crime, or drug-related infraction would automatically remove the six year temporary residence status and he or she would be subject to deportation.

If the immigrant meets all of the conditions at the end of the 6-year conditional period, he or she would be granted a permanent green card with the same rights as a permanent resident alien, including the right to apply for U.S. citizenship.

It also helps those who graduate high school afford college.

What are the problems with this act? Why should innocent kids be punished?

Leave a comment.

YOUR TEXTS: "Doug: I am very concern that we like americans, we will get chasted by God co's we don't have mercy or even compassion to those whom are more in needed."

Most recent News stories

STAY IN THE KNOW

Get informative articles and interesting stories delivered to your inbox weekly. Subscribe to the KSL.com Trending 5.
By subscribing, you acknowledge and agree to KSL.com's Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Newsletter Signup

KSL Weather Forecast

KSL Weather Forecast
Play button