Next week is a pivotal point in the lives of so many young people.
It’s astonishing to think the passage of a single bill can have such a dramatic influence for a crucial segment of our population.
If passed, this bill will say a great deal about our concern for today’s youth and our direction for our future.
I am, of course, referring to the Development, Relief and Education for Alien Minors (DREAM) Act.
The DREAM Act would, by no means, be a “free pass” for undocumented youth. They will have to meet stringent requirements and are only eligible if they entered the U.S. before the age of 16, have been continuously present in the country for no less than five years prior to the bill’s enactment, must obtain a high school diploma and have no criminal record to be covered under the bill’s proposal.
Only then can these undocumented youth apply for a six-year “conditional” legal residency. True legal status could later be achieved by either graduating from a two-year college or serving at least two years in the U.S. armed forces.
The Senate will vote on whether to pass the DREAM Act during its lame-duck session, which begins Monday.
So how can you make a difference? Contact Sen. LeMieux at 1-866-630-7106 and simply ask him to support the DREAM Act. Every call counts.
Editor's note: This letter refers to this article.
