The Winner: Dream Act Include in the New Bill: Good News for Youngsters
The United States of America regardless of the squabbling amongst elected officials as to how to mend all broken immigration policies remains the most compassionate nation in the world.
The contribution of the people of America to the good of humanity all over the world cannot be quantified. From building a model school in South Africa to adoption in Vietnam, the U.S. government and the American people deserve kudos for welcoming, accommodating and resettling displaced people of the world in America. Despite the current onslaught by the conservative wing of the Republican Party on immigrants, the U.S. is still a country that welcomes and assimilates immigrants.
In the ongoing debate about the Comprehensive Immigration Reform, one important portion of the various versions of the bill remains under scrutiny because there is a general consensus that the Dream Act must be passed unchallenged. The simple reason for lack of opposition to the Dream Act is the passion of the people of this country to protect the innocent and punish the culprit.
Remember the story of that little Cuba boy, Elian Gonzalez? I am sure to the leaders of most countries of the world, that little boy was one of many other children and they care less what happened to him. I was surprised to watch that Congress and the President of the United States despite all other pressing global issues joined the debate as to whether or not the little boy should be sent back to Cuba. This shows the heart of America for children.
The Dream Act is about children brought to the United States legally or illegally before the age of sixteen. A large fraction of the estimated 12 million undocumented aliens in the United States today are these children who after completing High School or College currently face the reality of their illegal status. The Country they grew up knowing as home now draws a line and set barriers to their ability to fulfill their dream of being useful to humanity.
I am happy to report that the Congress of the United States is not about to look away and allow these children who are now adults to continue to suffer for decisions they did not participate in making which brought them to the United States. The various versions of the Dream Act presented to the Senate and House of Representatives all have one thing in common; incorporate these children into the society, give them pathway to citizenship and reward those who endeavor to go to school with permanent resident status.
The fact that the Dream Act portion of the comprehensive immigration reform bill remains unchallenged should bring succor to many frustrated parents who cannot but share in the predicaments of these children.
In summary, the Dream Act when passed will provide illegal aliens who entered the United States before the age of sixteen and who are currently under 30years old with benefits much quicker than their parents, because they were brought to the United States without any input in the decisions that brought them here. These aliens will be able to apply for permanent residence after 3years as a probationary Z status holder or as a Z nonimmigrant status holder. These categories of aliens will need to meet certain requirements which include amongst others that "the alien has demonstrated good moral character. The alien must not abandon the alien's residence in the United States. The Secretary shall presume that the alien has abandoned such residence if the alien is absent from the United States for more than 365 days, in the aggregate, unless the alien demonstrates that alien has not abandoned the alien's residence. An alien who is absent from the United States due to active service in the uniformed services has not abandoned the alien's residence in the United States during the period of such service. The alien must have completed at least 1 of the following: (i) The alien has acquired a degree from an institution of higher education in the United States or has completed at least 2 years, in good standing, in a program for a bachelor's degree or higher degree in the United States. (ii) The alien has served in the uniformed services for at least 2 years and, if discharged, has received an honorable discharge. The alien has provided a list of all of the secondary educational institutions that the alien attended in the United States".
On May 17, 2007, President Bush reiterated his commitment to the passage of a comprehensive immigration reform. I believe him. The President has his legacy to protect; I believe he will push the passage of the current version of the comprehensive immigration reform through. Expect the Dream Act to become law.
This article is for your information only; it is not a legal advice and should not be substituted for legal advice which can only be given by an attorney after evaluating your peculiar situation. If you need more information, please visit my websites www.usimmigrationnewspaper.com.
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