The Development, Relief, and Education for Alien Minors Act (DREAM Act) is bipartisan legislation that provides qualified undocumented students the opportunity to a path to legal permanent resident status. Many were brought to the US as babies, and have never known another country.  All were brought by their parents, and are not responsible for their undocumented status. They are caught in a system where there is little, if any, means for legalizing their status.  They cannot continue their education, work, or join the military.

The loss of potential, productivity, and hope for these individuals is also a loss for the US economy. The United States is missing out on talented workers and entrepreneurs, and is losing vital tax revenues and other economic contributions.

While fixing this particular problem will hardly resolve the need for comprehensive immigration reform, it will unlock the door to the American dream for thousands of young people each year.

The DREAM Act would apply to students who graduate from US high schools, who are of good moral character, arrived in the U.S. as minors, and have been in the country continuously for at least five years prior to the bill's enactment.  They would earn conditional permanent residency if they complete two years in the military or two years at a four year institution of higher learning. The students would obtain temporary residency for a six year period, and within the six year period, must have acquired a degree from an institution of higher education in the United States or have completed at least 2 years, in good standing, in a program for a bachelor's degree or higher degree in the United States.  Alternatively, they must have served in the uniformed services for at least 2 years and, if discharged, have received an honorable discharge.

This bill, first introduced in 1991, should be passed in the current Congress, with one area amended: Students should be permitted to serve in a civilian development assistance organization such as Americorps, or Peace Corps, as an alternative to military service.