Introduction
The DREAM Act has sparked off a heated debate on whether illegal immigrants’ children can have the right to obtain higher education in the USA and, basically, obtain a legal status. There are many opponents to the Act. These people state that the enactment of the DREAM Act will negatively affect the US economy (“A Dream Act without the Dream” n.p.).
Many people claim that these ‘illegal’ residents will deprive Americans of the opportunity to obtain higher education and, as a result, deprive Americans of the opportunity to get well-paid jobs. However, these arguments are rather weak as they are not supported by facts or even common sense. On the contrary, proponents of the Act provide a lot of arguments verifying the fact that it is beneficial for Americans due to economic, cultural and moral factors.
Economic Issues
Admittedly, many people are focused on economic side of the problem. In the first place, some claim that ‘illegal’ residents will simply deprive young Americans of the opportunity to obtain higher education, which can negatively affect quality of education in the long run. Nonetheless, the DREAM Act will make education more competitive.
Admittedly, only really bright and committed students will be enrolled to colleges and universities. Therefore, quality of American education will increase. On the other hand, it is beneficial for the US economy to give these young people an opportunity to become skilled workers (Zota 50). It is necessary to note that any economy needs the balance between skilled and unskilled work force as the abundance of unskilled workers can lead to serious financial constraints and stagnation of economy.
Moral Issues
However, apart from economic issues, it is crucial to take into account cultural and moral component of the issue. In the first place, it is important to bear in mind that the DREAM Act concerns people who came to the United States at the age of 2-5 years old. Admittedly, this was not these people’s decision to come to the country as their parents made the decision.
Therefore, these young aspiring residents should not be deprived of their right to serve their country (Brown n.p.). It is indeed their country as they are raised in the USA. They have lived almost all their young lives in the country sharing Americans’ values and aspirations. Admittedly, it is simply immoral to send those young people to countries they do not really know (Klein n.p.).
The American Dream
Another important moral and cultural issue consists in the major value of Americans. The DREAM Act is all about the American dream. Opponents of the Act have forgotten that they are also descendants of immigrants who had come to start a better new life decades (or centuries) ago. It is possible to put an eligible question to those opposing the Act. Why were immigrants welcome years ago? Why immigrants’ descendants try to prevent other people from starting a new better life?
The DREAM Act
It is necessary to note that the DREAM Act is undoubtedly a beneficial act for Americans. It helps illegal immigrants’ children obtain higher education (or start military service) to help their country prosper. There can be no doubt that the USA is their country as they do cherish American values.
Some may still be afraid of financial constraints associated with the Act enactment. However, the Act will only lead to prosperity of Americans. Finally, the DREAM Act will become a proof that the major American value, i.e. the American Dream, is not just a bright future for the chosen.
Works Cited
“A Dream Act Without the Dream.” Editorial. The New York Times. 2012.
Brown, Anthony G. “If the Dream Act Wins, All Marylanders Win.” The Washington Post. 2012.
Klein, Ezra. “The Kids behind the DREAM Act.” The Washington Post. 2012.
Zota, Sejal.“Unauthorized Immigrants’ Access to Higher Education: Fifty States, Different Directions.” Popular Government. 2009.