Pass the dream act... I finished school with a 3.5 and would of been award the bright futures scholarship, but that does not help due to my parents bringing me here when I was just 9 months old.

pass the dream act asap people def deserve it belive me 

What a waste to not take advantage of such talent.

DREAM Act in 2009!

CIR is debatable, this is not. We are talking about educated people who want to stay in this country and contribute to it. These are people who didn't just get here yesterday but were brought here as young children, gre up here and are undocumented through no fault of their own. They face anywhere from a 10 year ban to a permanent ban from the United States if they go and "get in line" as so many suggest they do. They don't get undue benefits from this, just recognition that they are Americans and the chance to stay here and contribute to this country through military service and/or a college education. This needs to pass.

There are thousands of extremely talented yound people that are going to waste because they can not go to college due to their lack of legal status. These are the kind of kids that would become doctors, lawyers, engineers, etc...

It's about time that we start investing in the future of our country!

Please pass the DREAM Act. This legislation will benefit students who were brought to this country as infants/children. They have grown up in this country and consider it their own. All these students are asking for is for a chance to study and contribute to the only country they know. There's no other way for them to become legal; the DREAM Act is their only hope.

Please, pass the DREAM Act in 2009.

We must pass the dream act in 2009!
More 65,000 dedicated students are not qualifed for the  equal access to education opportunities. Give them a chance to achieve higher education, dont let the young children give up their dreams simply because of their status.

WE MUST PASS DREAM ACT IN 2009!!!
YES WE CAN and YES WE MUST!!!

Pass the DREAM Act!

please pass the Dream ACT ASAP. all the smart young people can not wait 2-3 more years. they cannot find any job without legal paper. JUST A PIECE OF PAPER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!and waste all their young life.

Please pass the Dream Act. I know so many of talented people including myself, who cannot do anything at the moment but sit at home and wait for an opportunity. Don't let these students just sit at home after High school while all their friends go to universities. Its a terrible feeling, trust me, I know.

Please pass the Dream Act 2009.

Simple economics! 

Here we have an educated pool of driven and talented individuals ready to contribute to the economy more than they are allowed.

Education = better paying jobs = more tax revenue & more buying potential = better economy!

Then add the other benefits of the DREAM act like ready and willing Americans in spirity ready to serve the country = better homeland security!

I was a DREAM Act candidate now I'm not .. I work as an engineer and now contribute to the economy more than could ever imagine.  I have contributed times over what the cost of my eduation was just in this past year's taxes alone, purchasing house, transporation and more.  Isn't this what the economy needs and wants now? With an engineering degree I could have technically gone back to my country but what good does that do to the States? The Country I consider my own.  

Not passing the DREAM is is letting opportunity go when it's knocking at your door.   These individuals deserve the right to contribute to the country that has given them so much.

Please pass the DREAM Act.  These are good people with hopes and dreams, but need this act to be put into action in order to accomplish these goals.  Please give them this opportunity to contribute to the country they call home.  Pass the DREAM Act!

This bill has broad bipartisan support and will help solve a part of this huge problem that is the immigration system. The beneficiaries of this bill are as American as anyone else who was born in this country. They are also talented and will only help make this a better country.

Please pass the Dream Act!! It is a horrible thing to deny education or opportunities to young bright minds, specially those who want a future and want to become someone in life. 

If their parents brought them to this country it was to give them a good education and a better future, so why ignore all the sacrifices and hard work those parents have given in order to makes their dream come true?

All the scholarships and opportunities are given to those who take it for granted and not to those that want to learn and are dedicated but are stopped because they don't have what other students (some that end up dropping out of college) do have.

PASS DREAM ACT 2009!!
it's time for a change!

Please pass the DREAM Act. Let these bright young people to contribute in the country they call home and love.

Please pass the DREAM Act!! It would help undocumented students out more than anything they can imagine...

I graduated from high school with a 4.0 gpa, and I'm currently working towards an engineering degree. However, I'm not allowed to work and make money, which makes it really hard for me continue my education since college tuition is extremely expensive, as most of my fellow college students, undocumented or not, would agree. Please allow me contribute to society.. I can't see myself in any other country. I've grown up in the US since I was a toddler, and I act as a role model for others. I promise that I'll try to improve this nation and this world we all live in... if only I was given the chance. 

DREAM ACT 2009!!

pass the dream act!!! before there is a blow back!

Everyone should support the DREAM Act.

What do we gain as a country by deporting such talent while at the same time we have people lobbying congress to allow for more of the same people to be brought in?

We need to started thinking logically about our countries problems and stop thinking out of hatred and ignorance.

DREAM Act 2009!

Normal 0 false false false EN-US X-NONE X-NONE /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-priority:99; mso-style-qformat:yes; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-para-margin-top:0in; mso-para-margin-right:0in; mso-para-margin-bottom:10.0pt; mso-para-margin-left:0in; line-height:115%; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:11.0pt; font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;} Please pass the DREAM Act !! Give us, undocumented students, the opportunity to contribute to this great country. I graduated in 2007 and am currently taking two classes at a community college. I can only take two classes because of how incredibly expensive the classes are. However expensive, I feel very fortunate to be taking those classes since I was turned down a couple of times due to my immigration status. America is the place we call home. Most of us came at such an early age and had no clue that it was considered an illegal act. I do not regret my parents’ decision of bringing me to the United States because if they didn’t, I wouldn't be who I am today. This is my home.

Please pass the DREAM Act in 2009

I believe that this ACT should be pass and take advantage of what change they can contribute to this country. there are many citizens who can take advantage of the eduction that is provided and they dont do so. but this Dreamers have!!!!!! what else can you ask for?

NO MORE SECOND-CLASS TREATMENT OF UNDOCUMENTED PEOPLE !

if you want to join the fight to win the dream act, pleeease
check out www.bamn.com .


:D

There are so many brilliant students out there that will make such a valuable contribution to our country - we should let them!  It is a tragedy for a generation of children of immigrants that they cannot have the opportunity to fulfill their dreams.  Let's change this and not have any more casualties of bright minds.

I completed college (yes I paid for everything) and would like to start my own business one day; however, I can't because of my current status. I was brought here by my mother when I was 10. Like everyone else here I feel and think like an American and would love the opportunity to contribute to the economy and society of this, the Greatest country!

Time to add my story - -

I was brought here LEGALLY when I was 14. My parents made one slight mistake -- THEY GOT IN LINE! They filed for permanent residency while I was studying on a student visa. When it came time to attending college (I was still a minor), INS rejected my student visa extension BECAUSE my parents had gotten in line and I was on their petition. Imagine that -- we followed the rule of law, and got in line and that is EXACTLY what made me 'undocumented.' Attorneys told us to not worry --that I would get my LPR under my parents before I was 21. Due to the backlog, that never happened. I am now 23 with three degrees, an amazing array of skills (forensics, new media, graphic designing, anything technical) besides my own specializations, but forced to live in the shadows and not contribute to the American economy. What good does it do America if I am deported tomorrow? How is it fair to the rest of my family who are citizens and legal permanent residents?

Pass the DREAM Act not just to give me a future, but to benefit American society.

I was brought here on a visa at the age of 14. I did not understand what the consequences of overstaying our visa would be. Like any other kid, I was sure my parents knew of a way to legalize ourselves. It turns out they were as misinformed as I was. My mother "got in line" when her sister filed a petition. This line is almost eternal, it takes over 10 YEARS for the petition to be processed. Add another 4 YEARS for my mother to petition me and I will be almost 30. In the mean time I have my bachelor's degree hanging on a wall as ironic decoration. I cannot contribute and repay what this country has invested in me. I was offered an health outreach worker position straight out of college. It is a job that not many would like but very necessary. I am one of the people who actually wants this type of job but due to my status I had to decline the offer.

How does denying me residency help our country? How does keeping educated, young people in the shadows help a country that is begging for change?

Pass the Dream Act so our country can reap the rewards of their investment in us. Don't let it go to waste!

It takes work to make a country great

It's time to recognize these Americans...

the average american child attends college and gets their life started into a new age of happiness in what they choose to be......the average immigrant child attends high school and "dreams"of a brighter future, but that dream is corupted from immigration laws..to denied the right to live freely is wrong, the morality is that immigrant students who wer brouhgt up here when they wer just small are as innocent as a baby child, they didnt no beter they didnt make the choice,make this decision U.S

This has got to be a priority for the presidency of Barack Obama. As an instructor at the University of California in Los Angeles I have seen the talent of these students squandered as they graduate and have no place to go. In these tough times we need the bright minds of the future to be given a chance at the American Dream.

pass dream act already!!!!..i have left u.s. because i could not wait anymore (because im almost hitting my 30's!), ive waited 5 long years for this bill and left back to my mother coountry.. i wish you guys thebest of luck on this bill....god bless..

We have been for too long!  Let's pass the DREAM ACT NOW!!!

Hi everyone, thanks for voting. If you want to get involved more in actions for the DREAM Act, get connected to the DREAM Act twitter -- http://twitter.com/DREAMAct -- We'll be using this tool to send out latest news, alerts, and events to everyone.

Also, there is a Facebook group by BAMN with a petition you can sign, that you can join, calling on Obama to pass the DREAM Act and being connected together - http://www.facebook.com/home.php#/group.php?gid=49679450803

In solidarity,
DreamACTivist

The Dream Act is about opportunity, giving a chance to a few selected individuals that were brought to the U.S. with out their consent. For instance, I will graduate from a prestigious merchat marine academy in May 2009, the conundrum of uncertainty clouds my future. I want to contribute to society and pursue my American dream, PASS THE DREAM ACT!!

Excellent show of support from everyone!

Please keep spreading the word around, remember there will be another round of voting starting January 5th and so don't forget to keep checking up on this page and telling your family and friends to do the same.

DREAM Act in 2009!

My reality: I was brought to the U.S. on a visa that expired when I was 4 years old. I grew up here and was able to attend university thanks to a state bill, but after graduating Magna Cum Laude with a BS in Nursing, I am unable to work. I am even stopped from earning a Master's in Nursing because I have to have work experience first. It is frustrating to see how foreign RN's are brought from other countries due to the nursing shortage, yet I am barred because of a paper I don't have. This is the only country I know and love; I just want the opportunity to give back.
My dream: To be validated by the country I call home and be a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit Nurse.
Please support the DREAM ACT.

Pass this and end lobbying!!!!!!!

Fuerza Latinos de los EE.UU.!!!!!!!!!!

The people are the Lobbyists!

The DREAM Act is important not only to the young people involved --- it is vitally important to the social and economic stability of our country as a whole. I work with homeless families with children - and I see so many young adults who can not get a stable job, they can't buy a home, they can't buy food or health insurance for their own children -- it is just crazy to have young people live here for most of their lives - send them through school and then tell them to sit around and do nothing forever.

Dear Mr. Barack Obama and to whom may concern,        
        I am so grateful to know about the Dream Act and your countless effort and commitment to introduce and bring it for a vote. It has been my dream to live and to serve this great country and Dream Act is my only hope. I had graduated from an American high school in California and my next goal is to go to an American University. The Dream Act will allow me and thousands of undocumented students to achieve the American dream and to repay this great nation.           
     Please make DREAM ATC a law! Please give the youngsters the opportunities to serve this great nation!

Support our youth and give them a chance to give back to the country they love so much. Please support the Dream Act!!!

Pass the dream Act in 2009 and use the talent that these young minds have, this should transcend politics

It's not that hard to gain citizenship or legal residence to those who actually try.  It's even easier for someone the younger they are.  Also, enlisting in the military already vastly speeds up the process for the soldier and their family.  Sorry, but I think this would be a waste of government resources and funding.  If they're able to graduate high school and college, but still haven't obtained legal status I don't think they ever will.  Maybe I'm just not clear on what their dream would be.

Actually Jonathan, these children were brought to this country illegally or became illegal while residing here -- there is absolutely NO, and I mean NO, way for them to adjust their immigration status unless they are some of the few lucky ones covered under the 245-I Life Act -- not even through marriage to a U.S. citizen, which would also require them to go to some country they do not know with no guarantee of having a hardship waiver approved.

Currently what we are doing is punishing them for the alleged transgressions of their parents, having these students go through K-12, investing $100,000 in them during that period and upon graduation, telling them "sorry" you may be American but can't live here, you can't drive, you can't work, you can't get a chance to adjust your immigration status and it doesn't matter if you were a Valedictorian or have the potential to cure cancer.

The DREAM act is the only way for them to adjust status / get-in-line.

Please learn more about U.S. immigration laws before making ignorant comments.

http://www.reason.com/images/07cf533ddb1d06350cf1ddb5942ef5ad.jpg

If you are reading this and can't decide how you feel about this because you are lost when it comes to immigration take a look at this:

http://www.reason.com/blog/show/128999.html

It's a good start to understanding the immigration process and how difficult it is. Of course it is far more complicated, but this chart will give you some basic knowedge.

This is such a good source that it was posted twice.

As DREAM Activist pointed out, there is currently no way for most of the children of illegal immigrants to legalize their status. If the government wants these kids to get right with the law, it should give them the option to legalize their status. That is why Congress must pass the DREAM Act.

is not this how president obama got his citizenship, so why make it a law, they do it by the hundreds weekly, DO U ALL REALLY THINK THAT THESE ILLEGALS WANT TO HELP AMERICA, WAKE UP THE WORLD IS CLOSING IN ON OUR WAY OF LIFE AND U ALL ARE HELPING, BEING AN AMERICAN IS AN EARNED PRIVILEGE NOT A RIGHT OR LAW, no i am not racist i voted for obama

as i forgot to mention half the terrorist from 9/11 would have been citizens by this law

Silly silly Mr. Baker:

None of the terrorists would have been "citizens by this law" because in order to qualify for DREAM one must have entered the United States prior to the age of 16.

In addition to that I'd like to point out that DREAM does NOT grant automatic citizenship to anyone.  That is just another myth the nativists like to push to try and derail this and other similar immigration reform issues.

It should really tell you something about your stance on an issue when every point you try and stand on ends up being a lie.

"DO U ALL REALLY THINK THAT THESE ILLEGALS WANT TO HELP AMERICA"

Well hmmm after reading the above 50 comments it certainly seems that way, we have heard from DREAMies that want to be teachers, doctors, nurses, architects, engineers and also people that want to serve in the military.  So yes, we really do want to help OUR country!

I think the question that needs to be asked is Do nativists, such as yourself, really want to help America?