| The DREAM Act: a Nightmare for Immigrant Students |
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by Eduardo Martinez Zapata Democrat and Republican Senators are working hard to make the Development, Relief, and Education for Alien Minors (DREAM) Act into an amendment of the 2008 Defense appropriations Bill currently in the Senate. Just last week, Democrat Senator Richard Durbin of Illinois was quoted in the Army Times, “Under the DREAM Act, tens of thousands of well-qualified potential recruits would become eligible for military service for the first time. They are eager to serve in the armed forces during a time of war.” This highlights the DREAM Act more as a military recruitment program than a college access program. It is one that's particularly cruel. For undocumented high school students, college is pretty much out of the question. The DREAM Act is promoted as a doorway to college with a “pathway toward citizenship.” Supporters claim it is the solution these students have long been waiting for. The act would provide immigrant students who enter the U.S. before age 16 and are of “good moral character” the ability to apply for a temporary six-year "conditional" residence permit. This would allow them to live legally in the United States, obtain driver's licenses and social security cards, attend college, and work legally. It sounds good, and a number of immigrant rights groups support it, but the act has got major problems. In addition to exposing their parents’ immigration status to la migra, students would be required during their six-year temporary period 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. They would also be required to maintain a good moral character, which these days could necessitate near-sainthood. Another huge problem is that the students, most from poor families, would be specifically excluded from federal financial aid such as Pell Grants. The high school dropout rate for children of migrant workers is 55%, so a huge number of youth without papers would be forced into the military to avoid being deported. We are writing to ask that you act to oppose the DREAM Act. Please contact your U.S. senators and challenge all organizations that are supporting this act. Find addresses and phone numbers for your senators at: www.senate.gov Undocumented students need REAL solutions: - Immediate and unconditional legalization for them and their parents! - Full funding for all high schools and in-state college tuition for all graduates! - Federal financial aid programs for all students! - Full citizenship rights for everyone serving in the military! Eduardo Martinez Zapata, National Coordinator of the FSP Comrades of Color Caucus, works as an educator with migrant students and their families. |
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