Introduction
Development, Relief, and Education for Alien Minors Act was a plan by the American senate to allow a few immigrants to enjoy permanent residence. This act was forwarded to the Senate by Dick Durbin in 2001 for consideration (Mahony 98). He suggested that all non-Americans who graduate from American schools or have stayed in America since childhood for at least five years be allowed a permanent residence. However, only those with good morals and exceptional behavior would be considered. The Act further stipulates that if an immigrant is involved in a 2-year military training or a university then a temporary residence for six months should be allowed to such an individual (Mahony 98). Special consideration will apply to an alien who provides professional service to the Americans for two years after graduating from the military or the university. In such a case, the individual is entitled to permanent residence. In case an individual’s residence status is terminated for any valid reason, the act stipulates that such an individual will assume the initial residential status. Reasons for termination of the residential status can be either through false identification or using invalid documents. The DREAM act as proposed by Dick Durbin is a legislative framework that has threatened the economy and security of Americans. The Senate should look into this legislation.
Amnesty proposed by the act
The act proposes a form of amnesty to the aliens. The regulations set to determine the eligibility of an alien are below the standards. According to the act, any college graduate who has graduated from a high school in American would be considered for permanent residence (North American Integration and Development Center 102). It is estimated that thousands of students will qualify as per the act’s regulation. This will allow a continuous migration of students to the country. In addition, this will increase the chances of illegal immigration because each state has its version of the act. Permanent residence under the act changes an individual’s status to become an American citizen. However, when that alien commits a crime, the deportation procedure becomes difficult.
Threat to the economy by the act
The American economy is at risk with the full implementation of this act. The aliens who become citizens are given sponsorship for tuition fees. Each state is allowed to set its level of sponsorship. A lot of money will be pumped into this scheme. In addition, more immigrants will apply for the sponsorship plan. Money spent on this scheme would have benefited the American-born students. Therefore, this act is a threat to the economy (Maze 67).
The act as a military recruitment tool
The act is a military recruitment tool. Amnesty that is accompanied by the act will lead to a continuous flow of illegal immigrants. Once eligible, they can join the military. However, this is a threat to the security of the states because the military will be formed by non-Americans. Also, the act will facilitate the importation of cheap labor (Barnett 147). The immigrants are poor and would do any job at any cost to earn a living.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the DREAM act has a lot of loopholes. It will lead to a continuous flow of immigrants, reduce economic growth, and pose a security threat to the states. Proper amendments should be included in the act. For example, a temporary visa and renewable work permit should be introduced for illegal immigrant students.
Works Cited
Barnett, Pamela. Gutierrez Ties Immigration Proposal to Education Status. New York: Oxford University press, 2006. Print.
Mahony, Ruth. (2012). DREAM Act: We all benefit?. Notre Dame: Notre Dame college publishers. 2012. Print.
Maze, Rick. Bill would grant citizenship for service. New York: Oxford University press, 2007. Print.
North American Integration and Development Center. No DREAMers Left Behind. Los Angeles: University of California press, 2012. Print.