With the DREAM Act poised for a vote in both the House and Senate, the core principles found in this legislation and the stakes associated with its passage are clear. In a POLITICO op-ed, Democratic National Committee Chairman Tim Kaine makes the case that the DREAM Act institutes fairness to our system, and recognizes the value these students would have to America’s military and economic future.
The DREAM Act is based on two simple principles: no child should suffer for the actions of his or her parents, and our country is made stronger when we take advantage of our children’s potential. To that end, the DREAM Act creates a path to citizenship for undocumented young people who were brought to the United States by their parents before age 15, lived here for more than five years, earned a high school diploma or GED and demonstrated good moral character. Applicants who meet these criteria would have the opportunity to become permanent U.S. residents -- if they then pursued higher education or served in the U.S. military.
The op-ed continues:
It offers a path forward for young people put into a difficult position by their parents – one that is rigorous enough so that it demands responsibility from those who would benefit, but clear enough so it provides defined incentives for those who aim to get right with the law and contribute to our country.
Those who do take advantage of the DREAM Act would contribute to America in two definite ways: by keeping our country safer and by making our economy stronger. Every additional pair of boots and every additional pupil in a college classroom improves America’s position in the world – a fact agreed on by experts and leaders in both parties.
For these reasons, Tim Kaine urges Congress to approve the DREAM Act “as swiftly as possible.”
Show your support by calling your Senators and Representatives today and asking them to support the DREAM Act.