DREAM Act

Introduction

The DREAM Act (The Development, Relief and Education for Alien Minors Act) as “a piece of proposed federal legislation in the United States that would provide high-achieving high school students who are long-term illegal immigrants, and who wish to serve in the armed forces or attend college to be able to gain legal status.” (proquest.umi.com.ezproxy.lapl.org).

Thesis Statement

The Act would also allow for these students to obtain subsidized college tuition. This has raised much debate as regards the fairness of this act.

Discussion

Supporters of the DREAM Act argue that these young people, although not currently legal, epitomize the “American Dream”. They highlight that these students are some of the brightest in the nation having graduated valedictorians, honor students, class presidents or student leaders. Having been brought here as young children, they have lived here almost all their lives, and represent some of the best America has to offer. These individuals try to persuade others that America can not afford to squander its “most precious human resources” and everyone should support that these students only pay “in-state tuition” at public colleges and universities. (dreamactivist.org)

They further argue the fairness of this act by implying that the young people at issue did not have a say in the decision to come to the United States, and it would be wrong to hold them fully liable for an immigration status that was derived from their parents. They also purport that the DREAM Act would dramatically reduce dropout rates, therefore resulting in substantial savings in criminal justice costs and use of public benefits, and it would sharply increase the amount of taxes paid by those who qualify. And that these contributions would pay back the educational investment within 4 years, leading to continued taxpayer profit in the future. (dreamactivist.org)

They ultimately feel that by allowing these young people to obtain American college educations, they will be poised and ready to give back to their community by being a ready American-educated workforce. After surviving the impoverished conditions they have faced, supporters declare, “These young people deserve to be rewarded for doing the right thing.” (dreamactivist.org)

To the contrary, those opposing the DREAM Act, feel it is a biased and unfair attempt that takes away from American students' opportunities. College tuition costs are based upon the student's residency status. Students who attend public colleges in their home state are charged “in-state tuition”, this is the same cost an illegal immigrant student ...