Imani Brown Hicks Engl100 November 16, 2016 Making The DREAM A Reality In today’s society, a huge debate continues on whether we should impose the DREAM Act or not. The DREAM Act gives those who have been brought here illegally as minors who grew up in the United States, the opportunity to contribute to our nation by pursuing a higher education or serving in the U.S armed forces.
If they complete a two-year degree or serve in the armed forces, the DREAM Act will give young people and children the chance to live in this country to resolve their immigration status and gain citizenship. Although opponents argue that we shouldn’t support the DREAM Act because they’re illegal immigrants and shouldn’t have equal opportunities as legal immigrants, we should support the DREAM Act. It will allow minor immigrants who didn’t have any control over their documentation status to receive an education, expand military recruitment efforts, and help strengthen our economy. The DREAM Act is beneficial and fair for these reasons, so it should be passed. Why are people against the DREAM Act? Many people don’t support the DREAM Act because they believe that illegal immigrants shouldn’t have the same opportunities that legal Americans have.
Many people forget that the true ideal of this country is for everyone to have equal rights. The public is completely divided on this act. Some feel that it unfair to the children of Americans, and gives an unfair advantage to undocumented immigrant children. Opponents believe if you break the law, you have to face the consequences. However, children should not be responsible or penalized for the decisions their parents made. The children weren’t the ones who committed the illegal act; they were only minors and were in control of their parents decisions.
Undocumented immigrants have already benefited our society by serving in the armed forces and putting their lives at risk, contributing to our economy, and finishing and seeking an education beyond high school. ( add citation of how many joined military). For these reasons, we should support the DREAM Act. The first reason why the DREAM Act should be reinforced is that it allows immigrants, who have been raised here in the U.S and worked hard in high school, to pursue higher education. The DREAM Act would provide a pathway to legal status for then thousands of undocumented students who graduate from high school each year. They have proven that they can become productive members of society.
According to the American Immigration Council article, approximately 65,000 undocumented students graduate from high school, but cannot go to college (The DREAM Act, Jul.13, 2010). It isn’t because they don’t want to, but because some colleges won’t allow them to enroll. Because of the barriers to their continued education, many undocumented students are discouraged from applying to college. The DREAM Act would eliminate these barriers for many students, and encourage them to strive for a higher education above high school.
Also, the passage of the DREAM Act will reduce high school dropout rates and allow more students to attend college. An increase in college degrees will provide a more educated workforce and help the economy grow. Another important factor to consider is the DREAM Act gives an opportunity to expand military recruiting and readiness. Many undocumented young people may wish to join the military because they’re patriotic, but the lack of immigration status prevents many who wish to serve from enlisting (include citation).
( add sentence about undocumented immigrants serving in the armed forces, and rish and lost their lives) (include citation) In addition, the DREAM Act promises to dramatically increase the pool of highly qualified recruits for the U.S. Armed Forces (5 Reasons to Support the Dream Act, Sep.15, 2010). It will allow military recruiters to enlist the highly qualified undocumented young people or students. The DREAM Act would be tremendously beneficial to the military. The DREAM Act will help strengthen America’s economic security. According to the Center for American Progress, passing the DREAM Act would add a total of $329 billion to the American economy by 2030 ( Infographic :How the DREAM Act helps the economy, Oct.1, 2012).
This act will “support the creation of 1.4 million jobs, and boost our economic growth” (The Economic Benefits of passing the DREAM Act, Sep.30, 2012). If the undocumented immigrants were to gain legal status, receiving an education will open up more opportunities to higher-paying jobs that will allow the undocumented youth to become productive members of society. Also, if the undocumented immigrants joined the military, they will gain skills that will transfer to civilian life and skills which will contribute to our society. The DREAM Act will benefit our economy, and give everyone a fair opportunity to be equal citizens. Above all, all students regardless of their immigration status have dreams. The DREAM Act was put in place to give children of illegal immigrants in America a chance of education, equality, and economic prosperity.
This act allows current, former, or future undocumented high school graduates an opportunity to receive U.S. citizenship through college or the armed forces. The DREAM Act offers a legal channel for the undocumented youth. It will support the undocumented immigrants and encourage them to receive an education, boost our economy, and join the military. The DREAM Act is an excellent place to start.
Therefore we should get it passed!
