Immigration - Dream (Act)
Posted Monday, May 23rd, 2005 at 10:45 am
This weekend at the Urban Youth Worker’s Institute (UYWI) I learned about two pieces of immigration legislation that would greatly impact - for good - a multitude of students across the country, but especially in Los Angeles.The first is called the DREAM Act - “Development, Relief, and Education for Alien Minors” (S. 1545). It has been introduced twice in the US Senate by Orin Hatch of Utah, and Richard Durbin of Illinois. A summary of the bill is:
- Age Requirement- Students must have entered the US before the age of 16;
Scholastic Requirement - Student must have a High School diploma or GED at the time of application; and must be accepted into a two or four year institution;
Moral Character - Must demonstrate good moral character as defined currently by immigration law; and must have NO criminal record;
Adjustment of Status - Will be granted “conditional status” for six years, during which one of the following options must be complete
• Earn a degree from an institution of higher education;
• Perform at least 910 hours of communitey service in a program approved by DHS (Dept. of Homeland Security);
• Serve in the US Armed Forces for at least 2 years.
The second piece of legislation is the Student Adjustment Act (HR 1684), that was introduced in the House by Chris Cannon of Utah, Lucille Roybal-Allard of California (Boyle Heights!!!), and Howard Berman of Utah.Both legislations have been gaining support in both branches of the legislature, but will probably need help from the White House in order to go through. I encourage you to write a letter to the president (YES, Mr. GW) at president@whitehouse.gov. Check out a sample letter of support.
May 25th, 2005 at 8:20 pm
scott, the link to the sample letter does not work
May 26th, 2005 at 10:10 am
I think it should link-up now. Sorry ’bout that.