by Elliot Grow
The U.S. Secretary of Education told the Senate in the first-ever testimony on the DREAM Act recently it is an essential part of America’s core values and help the U.S. meet its national goals and future workforce needs.
Supporters of the DREAM Act, which stands for Development, Relief and Education for Alien Minors, believe the bill is crucial for the future of immigrants who are seeking the opportunities that all Americans have. In a news release, U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan said he believes the DREAM Act is maintaining the core values of America.
“It is estimated that each year, 65,00 young people graduate from high school in the U.S. and find themselves unable to work, join the military or go to college because of their immigration status,” he said. “Approximately 800,000 young people would be eligible for the DREAM Act upon passage.”
The Subcommittee on Immigration, Refugee and Border Security was in attendance to hear Duncan present to Congress. On the committee in a minority seat is Utah Sen. Orrin Hatch, who was a sponsor of the bill in 2003.
“For two centuries immigrants have come from across the world to help build America,” said Dr. Jill Biden, wife of Vice President Joe Biden, to the Miami Herald. “The young people awaiting action on the DREAM Act are no different. For our nation, the DREAM Act means success. It means enabling a new generation of immigrants who have grown up as Americans to improve themselves and help build our country through hard work, determination and patriotism. Those American values they already possess.”
The DREAM Act could give immigrants without the correct documents, an opportunity to receive citizenship if they meet certain requirements. These requirements include living in the U.S. for at least five years, arriving here before the age of 16 and receiving a high school diploma or a GED. Those who have avoided any legal trouble and have been accepted to an institution of higher education or have chosen to serve in the military can begin the process to apply for citizenship.
Katie Eskelson, a teacher in Salt Lake City, said she thinks the DREAM Act is a good solution to a problem that has been around for a long time.
“It allows people to better themselves,” Eskelson said. “You work hard, you get rewarded.”
