A bill proposed by U.S. Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL) is currently being worked on in congressional committee that would allow 65,000 more people a year to attend institutions of higher learning.
Currently, undocumented immigrants attend K-12 schools just like any other child in the United States. The problem comes after graduation, when these students are barred from higher education. Even permanent residents, who are allowed to attend college, have a difficult time receiving financial aid. The DREAM Act (S. 729), would create an opportunity for young immigrants, who have spent most of their lives in the United States, to obtain higher education and eventual citizenship. Under this act, immigrants younger than 16, who have been in the U.S. for at least 5 years prior to the enactment of this bill and are of “good moral character,” would be eligible for conditional permanent residency if, within 6 years of high school graduation or GED, they earn an associates degree, have spent two years towards earning a bachelor’s degree, or serve two years in the armed forces.
Opposition to the DREAM Act claim that this bill calls for amnesty for illegal immigrants, which in turn would encourage future illegal immigration. Groups like Americans for Legal Immigration PAC claim that this bill will cost the taxpayers billions while replacing American students with immigrants in the limited seats in college. Yet, they don’t explain where they get there monetary figures, considering that the bill contains not even $1 in appropriations in it (let alone billions!).
Although they never mention specifically, ALIPAC might be referring to the amounts that states subsidize per student at public institutions. For instance, the state of Washington pays about 4-6 thousand dollars a year per student attending a public college or university. Although for some this may be cause for alarm, consider that these students are already helping pay for these subsidies through the Washington State sales tax. Also, these residents will be on their way to becoming citizens, and by doing so, will have to pay federal taxes, helping carry their share of the tax burden.
Groups like ALIPAC want to paint a picture of undocumented immigrations as lazy and dangerous and, in general, burdensome to the American taxpayer. S. 729 aims to reward decent, hardworking immigrants with a chance at higher education and a better life. It is characteristic of why all of our forefathers came to this country. This bill is the embodiment of the American DREAM.
