If you are the son or daughter of an illegal immigrant, brought to this country at a young age, you have the opportunity to go to high school, and with some complications, college. But frequently, that’s where your pursuit of the American dream ends — becoming a professional (i.e. using your expertise to contribute to the arts, letters, commerce, or social development of this country) can be immensely difficult. The DREAM Act, which was recently reintroduced in the House, would remedy that. It would give undocumented immigrants who arrived in this country before the age of 16 the opportunity to become American citizens if they have no criminal record and they complete two years of college or serve two years in the military.
The bill has its supporters. And they’ve got lots of reasons — moral and economic — why it ought to pass. But it failed last year in the Senate. One would think that an immigration bill would have conservative support if it only makes citizens out individuals in the undocumented population who (1) have raised themselves up from nothing to the point where they are ready and willing to contribute to society, (2) will not be taking low-wage jobs from everyday working Americans, and (3) who came to this country at such a young age that their illegal status was clearly something that happened to them, not that they chose. And yet, it faces persistent opposition from those who believe it is back-door amnesty. So if you’re the type to support legislation, and you are represented by a Blue Dog Democrat or a moderate Republican, consider picking up the phone.
