Thread: Dispelling DREAM Act Myths

Dispelling DREAM Act Myths

by Mary Giovagnoli et. al for the Immigration Policy Center

The DREAM Act—a popular proposal to provide legal status to undocumented youth who entered the U.S. as children, graduated from U.S. high schools, and attend college or enter the military—is the target of a smear campaign from anti-immigration hardliners. According to them, passage of the DREAM Act would cheat native-born students out of opportunities. This tired effort to pit immigrants and native-born—whether they are workers or students—against one another is not only destructive, but has no basis in fact. Moreover, it ignores the economic benefits that come from legalizing a group of talented, hard-working individuals who want nothing more than to contribute to America and repay the country for the opportunities they’ve been given.

Research has shown that providing a legal status for young people who have a proven record of success in the United States would be a boon to the economy and the U.S. workforce. University presidents and educational associations, as well as military recruiters, business and religious leaders, have added their voice to those calling for passage of the bill. The DREAM Act will help boost the number of high-skilled American-raised workers. A 2010 study by the UCLA North American Integration and Development Center estimates that the total earnings of DREAM Act beneficiaries over the course of their working lives would be between $1.4 trillion and $3.6 trillion. Removing the uncertainty of undocumented status allows legalized immigrants to earn higher wages and move into higher-paying occupations, and also encourages them to invest more in their own education, open bank accounts, buy homes, and start businesses.

The U.S. military also needs the DREAM Act. Deputy Undersecretary of Defense for Military Personnel Policy, Bill Carr, stated that the law would be “good for readinessâ€

Fact: Illegal behavior should not be rewarded.

Fact: Illegal behavior begets illegal behavior.

Fact: American citizens did NOT invite the illegal invaders.

Fact: By its very nature, the unintended consequences of the DREAM Act will almost always result in a net negative for law abiding, hard working, tax paying American citizens.

This entire argument FOR the Dream Act should not even be taking place! It is in fact a political surrender to the forces of lawlessness by our gutless and pandering politicians and against the will of the American people. They disgust me!

What kills me is they sound like this is all new, it was 2mons. ago and 7 times ago. Pretty damn sad our own gov. won't take NO for an answer. C'mon 2012!