Dream Act Facts Not Fiction

This Bill is a Bipartisan effort, not a liberal or right wing conservative spouting cause as most refer to it, but a bill that was introduced by a Republican, Richard Lugar and a Democrat, Dick Durbin in the Senate (S729), and Lucille Allard- Democrat, CA, Howard Berman-Democrat, CA and Lincoln Diaz-Balar- Republican, FL. in the House (HR1751).

Regardless of what you've heard or been told, this is not for "all" immigrants. This bill was designed for children who have grown up in the U.S. but were born in other countries.

1. They had to arrive in the U.S. at age 15 and younger and have had to live in the U.S. at least 5 years before the law takes effect. So, the fear mongering about anchor babies and getting into this country to be allowed citizenship does not wash. Must have grown up in the U.S. and graduated from a high school/ GED program in the United States.

2. Another requirement of this bill (Senate) is that no-student over the age of 35 can qualify.

3. It would give temporary legal status (6 years- like a VISA) to immigrant children who complete college or serve at least 2 years of service in the U.S. military and maintain a "good moral character."

4. The bill DOES NOT provide for any financial or federal benefits to these students. (With exception of a few states that already give them a tuition break.) NO PELL grants or other financial aid grants.

5. During their temporary status, they can work and do day to day activities, but they must apply for loans for their education or seek funding other than by federal monies.

6. They can however, work study. (I'm not to thrilled about this item myself- work study should be for our citizen students, that now find it hard to qualify for as it is).

7. After they have meet the qualifications of the temporary status, they can apply for permanent status.

Repeal of Section 505 of the Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act of 1996 (IIRIRA)

States such as Texas, California, Utah, Washington, NY, Oklahoma, Kansas, New Mexico and Nebraska already offer immigrants in-state tuition fees to go to colleges and universities in their states instead of "out of state" tuition fees.

• These states are subject to penalties for doing this.

• The repeal would not change the status of "in-state" tuition fees, but would not punish the states that offer this with penalties.

• So, like us Texans, you in the aforementioned states have been spending your tax dollars to pay for immigrant tuition for some time. If students from other states have to pay an added tuition for coming here, then immigrants should also.

Playing the blame game won't change the fact that these kids are being made the scapegoat of those politicians that don't have the strength, morals or honor to fight for true immigration reform.

The President of the United States, Pres. Obama was very disappointed in the defeat of the DREAM ACT, but assured Americans that it would not die. He would work on a broader immigration overhaul and take it to the public.

The Republicans to include the Tea-Party Republicans settled down to a long winters nap. How quickly they put another log on the fire and forgot that they were rabid immigration fighters just weeks ago. Mid-terms behind us, they quietly pick on the less fortunate....the children brought to this country and raised as American citizens.

Here we go again with "amnesty"

The first thing Republicans start to spout is "amnesty" whenever the talk of immigration comes up. Amnesty: a governmental pardon granted to a number of offenders, esp. for political offenses.

The Development, Relief and Education for Alien Minors ACT (S.729) is not an amnesty issue.

These children did not break any laws. They were victims of parents who broke the law.

Remember this the next time your child does something illegal, like texting and driving, drinking and driving, etc. maybe you should be held accountable, after all, it was you who probably bought them the phone, the car and possibly the alcohol.