I remember moving to a new school when I was twelve and how stressful and trying that was for me. That move was only across town. How about a whole new country? What if, after growing up and finishing school, you are then referred to as “illegal” and susequently deported?
Unfortunately this is what is happening to many young people in the United States whose parents brought them here illegally. After years of schooling and building a life these young people are being denied education assistance and they are also being denied employment because they do not have social security numbers.
There are countless vignettes in the
news and in the
blogs about extremely successful students that have suffered under the current laws.
This seemingly futile situation could turn around though with the passage of the Development, Relief and Education for Alien Minors Act, or
DREAM Act . The bill allows for undocumented immigrant children, who have graduated high school, to complete two years of college or two years in the military without risk of deportation. Ultimately, this education or military service would pave their way to citizenship.
In essence, the DREAM Act turns a young undocumented immigrant into a successful and contributing citizen. It just makes sense.
Senator Collins and Senator Snowe could be the key to passing the DREAM Act. Call them today and leave a message telling them that you support the DREAM Act and they should too!
Senator Susan Collins: (207) 780-3575
Senator Olympia Snowe: (207) 874-0883