April 8, 2009


Dear :

Thank you for taking the time to contact me. I always
enjoy hearing from people back home in Wisconsin, and I would
like to address your concerns about the DREAM Act.

On March 26, 2009, Senator Durbin introduced S. 729, the
"Development, Relief, and Education for Alien Minors Act of
2009," or DREAM Act. The DREAM Act aims to eliminate the
barriers that undocumented minors currently face in pursuing a
college education or serving in the military. The bill would allow
conditional legal residency status for children who came to the
U.S. before the age of 16 and have resided here for at least five
years. They must also graduate from high school or earn a GED.
Once they have obtained conditional status, individuals would be
eligible to apply for permanent legal status after completing two
years of college or military service. If an individual does not
complete the two year education or service requirement, his or her
status is reverted back to illegal.

The DREAM Act includes safeguards to ensure that only
those of good moral standing are eligible to change their
immigration status. The bill also contains strong anti-fraud
measures and penalties for those who try to cheat the system.

The DREAM Act has been referred to the Judiciary
Committee, of which I am a member. I will be certain to keep your
thoughts in mind as we consider this legislation and other reforms
to our immigration system.

Again, thank you for taking the time to contact me. I
appreciate knowing your thoughts on this important issue.

Sincerely,


Herb Kohl
U.S. Senator

Please do not reply to this message; to make further comments or to find additional information, please
visit my web site at http://kohl.senate.gov/.