Arguments for the DREAM Act

Arguments for the DREAM Act Supporters of DREAM Act legislation that would give legal status to thousands of the children of illegal immigrants make their case on social, moral and economic grounds. Versions of the DREAM Act have been debated in Washington and state capitals for much of the last decade. All of them have at their core a belief that the country can’t continue to ignore some 1.7 million young immigrants who came here as children and have no legal national identity. Reasons to Support Dreamers Here are some of the main reasons supporters believe that these undocumented immigrants should get a reprieve from the federal government: These young immigrants are blameless in their current predicament. They were brought here at a young age by their parents and had no say in the matter. It makes no sense and is morally wrong to punish them for the offenses of their parents. The government should treat them as victims, not offenders.The country has already made a substantial investment in many of these young immigrants and it would be senseless to throw that away. Most of them have attended public schools. They have earned high school diplomas in the public system. Many have benefited from public health care and some from other public assistance. The government could get a return from these investments by allowing them to contribute to the U.S. economy and society. Many have completed high school but cannot attend college because of their undocumented status. Studies show DREAM Act immigrants could provide a powerful boost to the U.S. economy.Many of the typical complaints about immigrants don’t apply to these young people. Most are as American as the native-born citizens around them. They speak English, understand American life and culture, and they are fully assimilated. They tend to be highly motivated and prepared to accept the responsibilities of U.S. citizenship. DREAM Act legislation could transform this lost generation of young people into U.S. taxpayers. Even some conservative Republicans such as Texas Gov. Rick Perry support the DREAM Act because it would make these immigrants taxpayers who contribute to the economy, instead of people forced to live unproductive lives in the shadows of a nation that won’t acknowledge them. â€Å"Are we going to create a class of tax wasters or are we going to create taxpayers?† Perry said. â€Å"Texas chose the latter. Every state has the freedom to make that decision.†Bringing these young immigrants out of the shadows would enhance national security. As long as the government considers them here illegally, they will not come forward. National security is strengthened when everyone in the country lives openly and contributes to society. To take advantage of the DREAM Act, young immigrants would be required to pass background checks and give their addresses and contact information to t he government.Giving legal status to these young immigrants through the DREAM Act would not cost the government. In fact, the fees immigration officials could charge applicants could more than cover the administrative costs of running the program. President Obama’s deferred action, DREAM Act alternative program already uses fees to cover its costs. Many of the eligible young immigrants are willing to give public service to the country, either through the U.S. military or non-profit enterprises. The DREAM Act could be the catalyst for a wave of service and social activism across the country. Young immigrants are eager to contribute their time and energy to a nation that embraces them.The DREAM Act is in keeping with the United States’ heritage as a nation that treats immigrants fairly and makes special efforts to reach out to young people. TheAmerican tradition as a sanctuary for exiles dictates that we allow these innocent immigrants a chance to move on with their lives and not cast them as refugees without a homeland.Studies show that President Obamas deferred action program for young immigrants, which he implemented as a substitute for the DREAM Act, has helped lift the U.S. economy. Also, it has saved U.S. taxpayers millions that would have been spent to deport this group of unauthorized immigrants. A study by the Cen ter for American Progress found that the DREAM Act would create economic benefits for the country.