The Dream Act has been a hot-button issue for years. Over the past decade, it’s become one of the most controversial topics in politics today. Here’s what you need to know about this polarizing legislation and why it matters so much.
The Dream Act is a proposed piece of federal legislation that would allow undocumented immigrants who were brought here as children to gain legal status within the U.S. If passed, these individuals could apply for permanent residency or citizenship after meeting certain requirements. Supporters say this bill would give thousands of young people an opportunity to create new lives in America without fear of deportation or being separated from their families.
Opponents argue that granting legal status to those already in the country illegally sets a dangerous precedent and undermines our immigration system as a whole. They also claim it rewards illegal behavior and places more strain on government resources like public schools and healthcare systems. Clearly, there are two very different perspectives when it comes to the Dream Act – but both sides can agree that its passage could have major implications for generations to come!

Overview And History

The Dream Act is a proposed bill that would provide certain undocumented immigrants with a path to citizenship. It was first introduced in 2001 and has been reintroduced several times since then, but it hasn’t passed yet. The main idea behind the act is to allow people who were brought to the United States as children – usually referred to as “Dreamers” – an opportunity to gain legal status. This could include access to higher education, jobs, and eventually permanent residency or even citizenship. To qualify for the Dream Act, applicants must meet certain requirements such as having arrived in the US before age 16, having lived in the country continuously for five years prior to introduction of the legislation, and passing background checks. If they pass these tests and other qualifications, they will be able to apply for conditional non-immigrant visas that can lead to full citizenship after meeting additional criteria. Supporters of the act believe it will help create a better future for young people stuck in limbo due to their parents’ immigration status while opponents argue that it’s unfair and rewards illegal behavior. However you feel about this issue, one thing’s clear: The Dream Act is something worth paying attention too.
eligibility

Eligibility Requirements

The Dream Act allows people who were brought to the US illegally as children, also known as Dreamers, a chance at gaining legal residency. To be eligible for this act you must have arrived in the US before age 16 and been living here since June 15th of 2007. You must not have reached more than 31 years old by June 15th 2012, and meet certain other criteria.
You need to show that you’ve graduated from a high school or obtained an equivalent certificate like a GED. Or if you are still in school then you can get a conditional two year permit. You gotta prove your good moral character too, so no criminal records allowed! And all applicants should demonstrate knowledge of English, as well as civics and U.S history. Basically they want to make sure you’re ready to become part of American society and culture.
It’s really important that we recognize these dreamers because they contribute so much to our communities – both economically and culturally! The impact they’ve had on the American economy is undeniable – it would cost hundreds of billions of dollars just to deport them all! Let’s hope Congress see’s how beneficial having the Dream Act will be for us all and votes yes when it comes up again soon!

Benefits And Drawbacks

Moving on from eligibility requirements, let’s cover the benefits and drawbacks of the Dream Act. The Dream Act offers a path to legal residency for undocumented immigrants who were brought into the U.S. as minors, giving them access to higher education opportunities they wouldn’t have had otherwise. This could lead to better job prospects down the line, which in turn can help boost their economic standing and improve their quality of life.
On the other hand, some people argue that passing this act would be unfair because it would give those who came here illegally certain advantages that others don’t have. These opponents also believe it will create an incentive for more illegal immigration in the future since there is now a potential reward for doing so. Additionally, many worry about how much money will be needed to fund programs associated with this legislation.
In short, while some see great potential in providing undocumented youth with pathways to success through higher education opportunities, others are concerned about creating incentives for further illegal immigration or increasing government spending beyond what is already allocated