Latest update May 24th, 2026 12:32 AM
DREAM Act is Reality for Undocumented Youths in the U.S.
The Development, Relief, and Education for Alien Minors Act, or “DREAM Act,” would allow the 65,000 young undocumented students who graduate high school each year to start a pathway to citizenship after completing two years of college or military service.
Gail S. Seeram
Both U.S. legislative bodies, the House of Representatives and the Senate, recently took action on the DREAM Act. On December 8, 2010, the DREAM Act was passed by the House of Representatives (“House”) by a vote of 216 to 198. On December 9, 2010, the Senate voted to table a vote on their version of DREAM Act so they can later vote on the House version of the bill. The Senate is expected to vote on the House version of the DREAM Act on December 18, 2010.
In general, the DREAM Act would allow qualified young people to adjust their status to that of a conditional permanent resident if they have: (1) entered the U.S. before the age of 16; (2) been physically present in the U.S. for a continuous period of not less than 5 years immediately preceding the date of enactment; (3) earned a high-school diploma or its equivalent; (4) been a person of good moral character; and (5) no criminal record and are not a danger to national security.
Additionally, to have the conditional basis of their permanent resident status lifted, students would have to satisfy one of the following requirements: (1) earn a two-year degree from a U.S. institution of higher education or complete at least two years of a Bachelor’s degree programme; or (2) serve in the U.S. Armed Forces for at least 2 years, and, if discharged, receive an honorable discharge.
It is estimated that roughly 2.1 million individuals would meet the DREAM Act’s basic age, length of residence, and age of arrival requirements upon enactment.
Additionally, passage of the DREAM Act will increased enrollment in colleges and universities, increased enrollment in the U.S. armed forces, keep talented students in the U.S., and provide individuals an opportunity to raise their standard of living and contribute to the tax system.
The passage of the DREAM Act would be a win for undocumented youths in the U.S. and for our struggling economy.
Gail S. Seeram, LL.M, J.D., BBA, is a U.S. Immigration Attorney that handles cases involving family petitions, marriage-based petitions, business/investor visas, citizenship, international adoption, deportation, asylum, work authorization and extension of status. Call her office at 407-292-7730, email questions to Gail@Go2Lawyer.com, visit her website at www.Go2Lawyer.com or connect on facebook at www.facebook.com/Go2Lawyer.
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