SWER [SUPPORTING GABY PACHECO & HER FAMILY]

Every year 65,000 immigrant youth graduate from U.S. high schools without the opportunity to go to college or work because of their immigration status. In order to fulfill the promise of leaving no child behind, all children deserve the opportunity of higher education regardless of immigration status. The Development Relief and Education for Alien Minors (DREAM) Act is a bipartisan bill that would permit undocumented high school graduates who immigrated to the U.S. as a minor and have lived here for at least five years, to apply for legal status, pursue a college education or join the military, and become U.S. citizens. This bill would benefit those students who have demonstrated a commitment to hard work and a string desire to contribute in U.S. society.
What is it?
Federal Legislation being discussed by the US Congress in Washington, D.C. that would impact every state.
What does it mean?
DREAM stands for “Development, Relief and Education for Alien Minors”
What is it for?
To provide a path for legal residence and educational opportunities for young people who were brought to the United States as undocumented immigrant children and have grown up in the US, graduated from high school and stayed out of trouble.
What are the requirements to qualify?
1. The student must have been in the United States for more than five years.
2. The student must have been 15 years old or younger when he or she arrived in the United States.
3. The student must have good moral character.
What is the process?
1. When an eligible student graduates from high school, he or she would apply for conditional status, which gives up to six years of legal residence.
2. During those six years, the student would have to do one of three things:
- graduate from a 2-year college degree program
- complete 2 years of a 4-year college degree program
- serve in the U.S. military for 2 years
3. Permanent residence would be granted after 6 years if the student has met the requirements and has continued to have good moral character.
What are the benefits?
• Long-term resident students will be given the opportunity to apply for legal residency, allowing them to work and otherwise fully participate in their communities.
• Colleges would be able make their own decisions about providing in-state tuition for immigrant students instead of being restricted by federal law.
• Increased levels of higher education would have benefits for local and state economies.
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