Issue Of The Week XIX: Are You In Favor Of Passage Of The DREAM Act

I thoroughly believe that the DREAM Act should pass. I did some reading on the provided link and I think this is solid reasoning and a win/win for the United States. Basically, certain illegal aliens will be given Conditional Permanent Residency as long as they complete 2 years of military service or 2 years of college and do so honorably. There may also be financial access to existing programs. Not only will this decrease the number of illegal aliens by motivating them to improve their situations in the long-term sense but will also produce ‘Americans’ with structured success whom are ready to contribute to society. If the conditions of the permanent residency are not met the illegal alien’s status is revoked and returned to being considered an illegal alien… allowing the possibility for deportation. President Obama calls the killing of this bill in 2010 as his ‘biggest disappointment’ (http://www.ibtimes.com/articles/94791/20101223/obama-to-push-for-dream-a...). In an attempt at satire, I’d actually like to see the DREAM Act opened for ALL citizens.

I agree that the DREAM Act should be passed and become a law. Everyone deserves a chance at a higher education and have the opportunity to express those talents for the better. I believe that by passing this act, the judgement and mistreatment of the illegal and undocumented immigrants would be changed for the better because now they have an opportunity to become a citizen. Many argue about the undocumented immigrants, but now when they are given a chance to become part of the nation people are not wanting to allow it. Instead of making a lose-lose situation, we should create a win-win situation. As they become a citizen they can obtain an education and hopefully utilize that effort to better our communities and nation as a whole. If we want to address the unequality and fairness issues we have today, I think this is a perfect way to start!

In my opinion, the DREAM Act should most definitely be passed because every person should be given the chance for a better education. This act gives people the opportunity to better themselves and give back to the country that they have been residing in. It would also allow immigrants to get an amazing education that they would almost certainly not get in their home country. By passing this act, some illegal immigrants would be given an appropriate manner in which they could become true citizens. What would be the purpose of denying these people an education if it would help them better themselves and allow them to give back to the United States? The conditions of this act would not allow just anyone to get citizenship, these people would have to be qualified and willing to actively work for it. People are always complaining about the huge number of illegal immigrants and the unfair nature of that situation. This law is an opportunity to decrease the number of illegal immigrants and also benefit the United States at the same time. These people would get an education and than be able to bring their talents and accomplishments to use in the U.S. If this act does not become a law, than it is as if these immigrants are being purposefully kept from something beneficial for them and the U.S. This act would undoubtedly make these immigrants more successful members of society that would be able to contribute something valuable. This act would be positive because instead of constantly living in the fear of getting deported, these people would be able to concentrate on accomplishing something worthwhile. It is a much better idea to allow the illegal immigrants to utilize their talents and give back to the U.S., than just to have them continue hiding and always fearing deportation. If these people are going to be living in the U.S. anyways, than we might as well allow them the opportunity to better themselves. It is not fair to deny them the opportunity of a better life because they do deserve it as long as they are willing to work for it. I feel like once these people are allowed to become citizens, then there will be much less prejudice against immigrants as a whole, which will help unite the U.S.

I'm sure everyone knows that illegal immigration is a major problem for our country. I don't see who could think that the DREAM act is a good idea. This is rewarding illegal immigrants for being just that, ILLEGAL. This legislation is proposing that we offer illegal immigrant citizenship and help them get educated. If that is the deal, who wouldn't come to America illegally? This article admits that the act would be targetted at individuals who had been living in our country for several years already. We would be paying our tax dollars to educate those who do not pay taxes. Our economy isn't doing that great. I don't think that throwing our money at illegal immigrants is going to make it better. This is the problem with America today. We want to fix the world while looking past our own problems. Honestly, lets fix our economy first, then we can talk about educating illegal immigrants.

Thumbs up or thumbs down for this proposal, I really don’t know. I am an international student and it has taken me a lot to get into the American school system LEGALLY. I feel a sense of injustice to hear about people getting support from America, when I can’t get any. At the same time I sympathize for those that want to get a better future but can’t because their situation just won’t allow it or other things. I do believe that in order to get rewarded in this world you have to do good deeds or be a good hardworking person. Coming here ILLEGALLY is not right. So, I agree that America shouldn’t award illegal immigrants with a free ticket their country. On the other hand this is mostly a Godly Nation and because of that I also believe there should be an opportunity to a brighter future.

I am not in favor of the Dream Act passing until all of America’s legally born children have an opportunity for a higher education. I have see kids graduate from high school only to attend classes sporadically here and there because this is what they can afford. Let’s start by concentrating on the offspring of the hard working parents who toiled in sweat to give their children a “better tomorrow” only to realize they are a penny short. I am not impartial or racially indifferent to immigrants wanting their own share of the American Pie. America has long been known as the “land of the plenty” and considered a “Blessed Nation”; but in trying to feed all those who come and hunger for the good things let’s not forget America’s own. I am a legally born Hispanic and grew up with the same struggles that come with being Hispanic in America and would essentially like to see more Hispanics/Mexicans succeed; yet, have also seen plenty of legally born children give up on getting a higher education simply because of a lack of financial support. Now as far as serving in the military and putting it on the same scale as education; I consider that to be employment and would hope that they would treat it as an opportunity to defend a country that they were willing to migrate to. Illegals should definately be allowed to serve.

People complain about illegal immigrants all the time. The DREAM act is trying to make some of them legal, and people still complain. If the U.S. did not make it so hard for people to come legally, they would not have to resort to coming illegally. If you have never been in the desperate situation that they have been in, you do not understand. Also, I bet half the people who are so against illegal immigrants have ancestors that came here from Europe illegally or stayed after their visas expired. When they did it, people said they just wanted a better life and were brave for doing it. But when Mexicans do it, it's bad.

SBUAMICO-6 said that it would be giving our tax dollars to people who do not pay taxes and that we should work on fixing our economy first. First of all, many illegal immigrants do pay taxes. However, they do not get benefits like social security, even though they pay into it. Second, legalizing immigrants would help our economy. If there are not as many illegal immigrants, employers will not be able to hire illegals for pennies and start paying living wages. Also,if illegals are legalized and educated, they will be able to make more money. More money=more spending and more spending=better economy. It would make illegals more likely to succeed because they won't have to worry all the time about being caught.

I am in favor of the DREAM Act passing, as it gives many illegal immigrants who may not have had a choice in coming to America (brought here when they were young, etc.) a chance at an education and citizenship. However, I can see why people are against it. It provides a way for illegal immigrants to have an education and other benefits, while those people who are here legally and are already citizens of the US may not have access to those things. However, this act is trying to give some the illegal immigrants in our country the chance to become legal, so I think it is a step in the right direction. People argue that this act is “rewarding” illegal immigrants for being illegal. What they have to realize, however, is that many of the immigrants here today were brought here when they were young. They didn’t have a choice in the matter, so I don’t think it is right to punish them. This act is a positive step in the ongoing battle against illegal immigration in our country.

No matter what the Act is, somebody is always going to oppose it. But I would like to see this Act passed. Like most people have said, many of these children had no choice to be here illegally because they were brought at such a young age. If we give them this opportunity, who knows what sort of things they will be able to provide our country with (doctors, scientists, business men/women, etc.). The law does require certain criteria to be a part of this program, which I agree with. This Act won't be given to just any illegal alien, but to those who work hard to want to succeed. And hard workers should always be rewarded. I personally did not know about this Act, but I am now really interested in it and want to do whatever it takes to help pass this Act. I see nothing but positive from this.

I definitely support the DREAM act because it gives a voice to people that are caught in a bad spot. (brought to America without their consent) everyone deserves a chance at an education and ability to gain citizenship. On the flip side I understand the frustration towards the DREAM act because people that are citizens of the US may not be able to gain the same things and they have a sense of entitlement because they are already here. I think the requirements of the act are good because it sets a standard and makes it more of a challenge for immigrants. This makes t easier for people that are already citizens to swallow this act.

The DREAM act has the potential to be a great opportunity for both American citizens and those it applies to. It would allow for those already living here and believe the United States to be their home to fully take part in and more fluently integrate into society as a whole. Additionally it would aid not only undocumented hispanics, but undocumented immigrants as a whole (Russian, Asian, Caribbean, etc.). However, I believe the qualifications for this opportunity are somewhat loose. It could be easily taken advantage of and applies to too large of a group to accomplish what should be the goal of the act. Stricter parameters such as requiring the individual to have lived in the country for longer than 5 years and at a younger age would both be more appropriate and acceptable by critics.

I support the DREAM act it definitely opens opportunities to a lot of people who paths are in conflict. This opens more doors and opportunities for them. With that said, I disagree with the use of the term "Alien".In law full terms it is supposed to mean a non-citizen or inhabitant of the country but the use of the word also has a negative connotation to it. The Hispanic population are just as much human as the next American in this country. This is simply my opinion because when one speaks about Hispanics or Caribbeans they are referred to as aliens but if it is some one from France, Brittan, or int he European area one vary scarcely hears the term Alien used to describe this group of people. Even though they are still non-citizens of this country. I am very happy to see the improvement I am just aware that though there is opportunity being offered one is supposed to recognize the subliminal inferiority through the use of the word "Alien".

I would say Dream Act should pass and I hope it does. It will give any immigrant that has come here a better chance contribute into society. It will give them a place of citizenship instead of never having a chance to succeed. It gives more of the minorities a lift of hope to contribute in the mainstream of this country. The kids that were brought her because of their parents shouldn’t suffer for what they did. You never know what these students can do to help in the US. If the U.S can’t give opportunities to these students then society will continue to be filled with minorities with no education. Parents that can get a education leads to children pursuing a degree. Why have them hear and produce more children and fear deportation. Give them a chance at higher education. Latino youth are the largest growing group so this country should give them the knowledge of a chance at higher education.

These people should have an opportunity to earn what most of us have been blessed with. We were born into a country where we have rights and we can reach our full potential. Even with the economic and political issues we currently face, we still live with a better standard of living than most people in the world. By allowing these people to earn an education and citizenship, we may help alleviate some problems we currently face. These people may have the power to create more jobs which will in turn help the economy. They also will have a chance to contribute to our national funds. Although a few may rely on government hand-outs, we will have many more who can pay taxes and help fund our government. A lot of Americans are very ignorant in thinking that these people just come here and do not contribute to our country. Everyone should have a chance at happiness. Most people come to the US because of problems and corruption in their countries. For those who do not travel the conditions of other countries may be hard to imagine. Maybe we need to worry more about the American citizens who always have their hand out for any money they do not have to work for OR worry about the Americans who take their education for granted just because they have a lot of money. Maybe we could use this to weed out all the slackers who are currently wasting classroom space at schools.

PS for those who think this may cause employers to have to worry about higher wages-- you may want to consider that even the educated LEGAL immigrants are paid significantly less than a "white" American with the same qualifications. --Just saying.

I agree with the DREAM Act all the way, I think it’s a great idea. Coming from illegal parents knowing the struggle of other families’ members to pay for education of their children or even being able to get a higher education gets hard. Not that it’s unaffordable for most but some can’t even get into college because they have no social security number. From experience, my siblings and I never had to worry about how to get into college or even afford to pay for it; unlike other immigrated parents our parents actually were able to provide us with a fine education. But there is those families that are struggling to make ends meet, want to attend college, but have to work to pay bills or help out other family members…I think they deserve the right to have a higher education, let money nor not having a SSN not stop them from doing so. I don’t see how anyone would go against this act…when it’s providing education to others who can’t afford it or get in college because they are illegal.

I have written before on the hardships that come with being an Illegal immigrant, but just as before I still believe that it should be stopped. While I believe every child should have the opportunity of a good and equal education, I also believe that this Act will support the flow of illegal immigrants and have a harmful effect on our already poor economy. This is just another case of sorrow in the world and a difference in the way thing should be and the way things are. I believe that attention should be put towards improving all public schools, rather than focus on the education of the children of illegal immigrants. Currently the entire school system is lacking and needs improvement, the united state is the so called "richest country", but does not show it in its education system. I understand the immorality of denying children better and possibly equal education, but as I see it the consequences of promoting illegal immigration are far worse concerning the end result. Truly my heart breaks thinking about the results of which ever path we take.

The passing of this law could be both good and bad. It is a great thing that we as a country are trying to help these young immigrants by trying to get them an education. I think sometimes we forget that these immigrants are leaving their own country because it is almost impossible for them to live in those countries circumstances. It is almost our duty as human beings to try to lend a helping hand to these people that are trying to find and live in a better place. On the other hand instead of bringing people into our already struggling school systems, we need to focus on improving them first. Be passing the DREAM Act then that could cause dramatic overcrowding in high schools and universities and could possibly make our public schools in worse shape than they are now.

I think that it is a good thing that the U.S. is trying to help immigrants reach a higher education. Even if they are illegal aliens, they are people and deserve to further themselves in life as much as anyone else. If they don’t get a higher education, there is a good chance that they will fall into the nations impoverished, and we could see an increase in poverty. Instead of pushing them to the poverty line, we can help them receive a better education with which they can contribute to the nation. However, I do recognize that our school systems are struggling as they are. I do think that we need to improve our school systems before we try adding any more stress and complications to the system. However, I do think that the DREAM Act needs to be kept in mind for when the school systems improve to a point when they are able to handle it.

I think that the DREAM Act can be good or bad. There are pros and cons to many bills of legislation and this one is no exception. On the one hand, children of illegal immigrants had no choice about being brought to the U.S. They had no part of their parents' decision to come here. They should be helped in education so that they will be able to contribute to society in a positive manner and be seen as an important investment in our country's future. On the other hand, these children are illigal immigrants and this bill could encourage more parents to bring their children over illegally which will continue a cycle which will bring more problems for the U.S. and her citizens. I think it is also important to remember that these people are often referred to as "illigal immigrants" but people forget that these people are also their neighbors who live in the same community as themselves.

I think that it is wonderful that we are making an effort to provide more people with an education and I really would like to see the DREAM Act pass. Giving children the gift of learning in schools is priceless to them and their families. It would give more people a higher chance of getting successful jobs and let them actually become a part of the American society. How wonderful would it be if everyone looked at each other as a part of one big accepting society? We need to treat each other as fellow human beings should, and give generously and look out for one another. Instead of letting people stay in the awful situations in which they are living, we need to provide them with a way to improve their lives and ensure that their children will be able to provide for themselves in the future.

I think the passing of the DREAM Act would be a good idea. In most cases when immigrants enter the country illegally and bring their children along the children do not have a say in whether they stay in their country of origin or go along with the parents. Since the children go with the parents they are stuck here without the same opportunities of education as native born children have as far as entering school and then going to college. To a certain extent the old saying of "the sins of the father are the sins of the son" should not be applied when dealing with this issue because of the fact that the children in most cases did not have a choice of their circumstances. These children after having lived several years in the United States should be allowed to have the same educational opportunities for advancement as everyone else regardless of their background or where they are from. The only down side that might be presented if this act were to be passed by Congress would be that more immigrants might be willing to come across the border illegally and "lay low" long enough for themselves and their children to be under the benefits of the DREAM act. This might not occur at all, but I could see it happening to some effect. All in all I feel like this act could be a very good thing in the furthering of educational opportunities towards the minority population.

As many have said, I can see both good and bad outcomes should the DREAM Act be passed. Overall, I would say that the DREAM Act is probably a good idea. My only concern is that all of the qualifications are clearly laid out with a plan to make sure they are adhered to before the Act is put in to place. If the individuals who are given this opportunity truly meet these qualifications, I don’t see how America cannot benefit as a whole from lending a helping hand to these individuals who more than likely had no say so when they were brought in to this country illegally. However, we all have many ideas that we are not able to bring to fruition because there are no funds to make that dream come true. The state of our government and education system seems to be breaking down right now. At the present time, I believe the DREAM Act might need to be put on the back burner until other financial issues are worked out. This all sounds good and rosy but the fact of the matter is, the funding has to come from somewhere, and I think America is over extended as it is.

I think that the DREAM Act is a great idea. Like all the acts that have been passed there is going to be negatives to it also. But it is great that our country can help others out in need. Giving them another chance to succeed when they probably were not going to have in their home country. And bringing their kids along is great, to help them get an education and make a living. the requirements that they have to go through I think if fair, it's an equal opportunity not just for them, but for everyone.

I like the idea of passing this bill, but with the passing of this bill will bring many good things as well as many bad. It would be a great thing for the people who qualify for it, giving them monney for a future edamacation. And besides its not their fault that they might be a alien. Their parents brought them over to the US. So they had no say so it that regard, but while this would be a great adition to the law it would bring many troubles with it. Just imagine how many more people would come over to the US if this law was passed? Not only would the latino population rise but many others would too. The latino population grew 43% with in the past 10 years and thats not with the DREAM Act in place yet. I think that it would be a great Act to pass but I think the drawbacks from it will keep it from getting passed.

I believe the DREAM Act should be passed for the sole reason that it offers immigrants the opportunity to give back to the US. The bonuses of passing this bill is that, ultimately, these immigrants would be working towards becoming a permanent citizen and receiving all the perks that come with that (such as paying taxes, voting rights, and eligibility to be drafted into the military). In current news, we're constantly being told that illegal immigrants are a detriment to our society because they are living here, taking our jobs, receiving our education, and not having to pay in taxes (like everyone else has to do), and they're not being registered into our military's drafting system. It seems to me that passing the DREAM Act, would eventually lead these immigrants to be registered as citizens of the US, registered for our drafting system, and registered with the IRS as a valid employee somewhere. The education they would receive from the US schools would benefit the immigrants as well as our nation. Because they're required to at least have a high school education, they will most likely be trained to enter the workforce or the military. In my view, that means our decreasing military will have the opportunity to replenish its soldiers.

I think that the DREAM Act would be a wonderful thing for the Latin American population in this country. As some people already stated, this would give undocumented immigrants the opportunity to give back to this country which has provided them with many ways to improve their lives. Their lives would seem to be much better than if they had stayed in their native country. I think the requirements are a necessity but the one problem I see with these requirements is how do we know they fulfill them since these immigrants are, in fact, undocumented? How do we know they moved here before they were sixteen years old? How would we know if they have lived here for five consecutive years prior to the bill being passed? I think this Act is an absolutely fantastic idea and is something that needs to be done but unless the government already has solutions to those questions, then this proposal has a couple of holes. If given the opportunity, I would vote for the passing of this bill.

I think the DREAM act can be good and bad for our country. It will decrease the number of illegal immigrants as well as give the children that had no choice but to follow their family a better education and living situation. They would be getting an education that they would not have been able to get in their own country and in return they will be giving back to the country, its a win/win situation for America. One negative aspect of this act is that it will attract a lot more immigrants into our country and could cause overcrowding and limited job opportunities, which is already an issue in itself. Giving everyone a better education is going to make our country a better one. By our country accepting this act, it will show other countries around the world that we want the best for every culture and race and that we want to give back, and not just to our community, but to everyone who is willing to accept it.

Am I in favor of the Dream Act, of course I am why would I deny the chance for a race to have a right to education or maybe to better themselves by joining the military. The passage stated this already but the Dream Act would be a great way for them to give back to the country that they have become a part of and not only are they giving back they are creating opportunities’ for their families for now they have a education of a steady career to say the least. Many I believe will flourish within the Dream Act for most undocumented immigrants are just looking for a chance to better their lives and that is why they came to the US and with the Dream Act it will become an reality rather than just a “dream”.