The DREAM Act is a bipartisan legislation that allows undocumented students who are driven to achieve a way to obtain legal residency. These students were often brought to the U.S. as young children and have spent most of their lives in the U.S. Eligible students are deeply rooted in their communities and often volunteer and participate in activities that benefit American communities, as well as achieving considerable grades and honors in school. Here is what you should know about this act.
Relief Is Only For a Limited Number
The DREAM Act has a cap on how many students can receive relief through the act, and there are heavy restrictions that prevent beneficiaries from being about to receive citizenship quickly or sponsor relatives for green cards. Only 755,000 students are expected to receive relief under the act, and they must face a considerable number of obstacles to do so.
The DREAM Act Is Only for High-Achieving Immigrant Youth
The DREAM Act is not only limited in the number of students it can help, but there are also strict eligibility requirements. These requirements include:
- The student entered the U.S. illegally before the age of 16.
- The student has maintained continuous presence in the U.S. for at least 5 years.
- The student can demonstrate good moral character and has no criminal record.
- The student has been admitted to an American institution of higher education, has a U.S. high school diploma, or a General Education Development (GED) certificate.
- The applicant was under 35 years old when the bill was enacted.
The DREAM Act Cannot Protect Criminals
In order to be eligible for the DREAM Act, a student must demonstrate their good moral character, which means those with a criminal record cannot apply for the program. Applicants must undergo a criminal background check, which will confirm they are eligible for the program.
The DREAM Act Won’t Affect In-State Tuition
The states are responsible for changing laws to include DREAM act beneficiaries in the regulations for in-state tuition costs. The federal government is not responsible for these change, if they occur.
The DREAM Act Encourages Success and Economic Productivity
By offering permanent residence to our best and brightest immigrant students, the DREAM act seeks to encourage high-achieving students to settle in the U.S. permanently and gives them more power to contribute to the U.S. economy. By allowing these students to pursue further education, the DREAM act hopes to pave the way for our future leaders, careers, and educators.
The Verma Law Firm believes that immigrants deserve the chance to contribute to the country they call home, especially our students who are going above and beyond to be their best self. Our San Jose immigration attorneys can help with a number of immigration issues, and we have more than 19 years of legal experience to draw from.