During this time of year, thousands of high school seniors
across the country will be applying for college. For most students,
the application period is marked by stress, excitement and hope.
However, for undocumented students, this period can be marked with
added despair and frustration, as the vast majority of them cannot
go on to higher education.
According to the National Immigration Law Center, about 65,000
undocumented students who have been in the United States for more
than five years graduate from high school each year. Despite having
been in the country for so long, it is difficult for them to be
able to pay in-state tuition fees, obtain financial aid, and get a
job to cover the cost of higher education.
Without the opportunity to go on to higher education, these
students have little choice but to seek work illegally and often
end up depending on friends, family and sometimes the government in
order to meet their economic needs. Meanwhile, the American society
misses out on the opportunity to strengthen its workforce and build
human capital.
The Development, Relief, and Education for Alien Minors Act
would be an excellent way to address the precarious situation of
thousands of undocumented students. Sponsored by Sen. Orrin Hatch,
R-Utah, and Sen. Richard Durbin, D-Ill., in 2003, the DREAM Act
would provide legal status to undocumented students on the path to
higher education. Students eligible for relief must have entered
the country before turning 16 years old; must have been in the
country for at least five years; must obtain a high school diploma
or general equivalency diploma; must be accepted into a two- or
four-year higher-education institution; and must have a clean
criminal record.
An eligible student would receive legal status for six years,
during which he or she must graduate from a two-year college,
complete two years at a four-year university, or serve in the
military for two years. The student would be granted permanent
legal status at the end of the six-year period if one of these
requirements has been fulfilled.
Besides rewarding students for their academic achievements, the
DREAM Act would also have a positive impact on the U.S. economy. By
allowing students to obtain a better education and consequently
earn higher wages once they join the workforce, the government will
receive higher tax revenues and spend less on public services.
According to estimates from a 1999 RAND study, a 30-year-old
Mexican immigrant woman who graduates from college will pay $5,300
more in taxes and cost $3,900 less in government services.
Also, having legal status will allow immigrants to increase
their purchasing power and home-ownership rates.
Finally, giving students legal status will be an investment in
the human capital of the country.
Last year, the DREAM Act passed out of the Senate judiciary
committee by a vote of 16-3. Despite having bipartisan support from
48 senators, it was not put to a vote on the Senate floor. It is
yet to be reintroduced this year.
The DREAM Act is a sensible piece of legislation. It will be
beneficial to the U.S. economy and reward hardworking students who
did not have a say in their families’ decision to come to
this country. UCLA students can get involved in supporting the
DREAM Act by urging Hatch to reintroduce the bill and by contacting
their representatives to express their support.
Rios is a third-year economics student.