Imagine growing up in the United States, saying the national anthem everyday for school, making friends, and dreaming of a future, only to realize these dreams are uncertain due to your legal status. This is the reality for many young immigrants known as “Dreamers.”
Dreamers are referred to as young undocumented immigrants that are vulnerable to deportation and would be eligible for protection and potential citizenship under the Dream Act . Despite its large support, the Dream Act has yet to become a law. B ut what exactly is the Dream Act, and why has it been such a contentious issue in American politics? Let’s delve into the story of the Dream Act, its ongoing journey through American politics, and the lives it aims to transform.
According to the American Immigration Council, the most recent version of the Dream Act is under consideration in the 118th Congress; this includes the Dream Act of 2023 ( S. 365 ), the American Dream and Promise Act of 2023 ( H.R. 16 ) , and the Dignidad (dignity) Act of 2023 ( H.R. 3599) .
A key feature of all the current versions of the Dream Act is that they “would provide current, former, and future undocumented high school graduates and GED recipients a pathway to U.S. citizenship through college, work, or the armed services.”
The path to citizenship for Dreamers involves a three-step process. Firstly, applicants must meet specific requirements and criterias to obtain a conditional permanent resident status (CPR), including coming to the United States as a child, having some form of higher education (such as GED), and having no serious criminal convictions.
Secondly, after maintaining the CPR status, individuals can obtain a green card by either achieving a degree from a higher education, joining the military service, or becoming employed for a total of three years. Finally, after five years with a green card, individuals can apply for US citizenship through the naturalization process.
The S. 365, H.R. 16, H.R. 3599 bills each provide many benefits for immigrants; however, there are some significant differences around qualifications requirements for conditional resident status between the three. The H.R 16 and H.R 3599 include another review process for public safety threats and provide additional support for immigrants such as financial aid and relief for those who were deported under the Trump administration. Additionally, these two bills include many provisions for documented Dreamers, while the S. 365 requires applicants to be deportable.
According to the American Civil Liberties Union, National Survey Shows 72% of Voters Support the Dream Act. However, the act has faced numerous challenges in becoming law; immigration policy is a highly polarized issue in our country, and the Dream Act has faced much opposition, making it difficult to reach the consensus needed to pass the law.
As the Dream Act continues its journey through congress, the hopes and dreams of multiple young immigrants remain uncertain, waiting for the day they can finally become citizens and make their dreams reality.
Catalina de la Peña | Immigration Correspondent
Growing up in a predominately Hispanic community and being raised by Cuban immigrants, I have seen firsthand how immigration issues deeply impact individuals, families, and communities. I’ve always felt a strong connection to the stories of immigrants, and now, I have the opportunity to delve deeper into these narratives. As an Immigration Correspondent, I plan to focus on shedding light on Latin American economic and political struggles, particularly in countries such as Cuba, Venezuela, and in Puerto Rico, and how these challenges intersect with the experiences of current immigrants in the United States. To support my reports, I plan on combining real-life stories from immigrants residing in Miami, Florida, with thorough research. Working with Latina Republic allows me to combine my passion for storytelling with my commitment to social justice, and I’m excited to have the opportunity to contribute to the understanding of the complexities of immigration and Latin American issues.
