So more details will come in the next few days when the bill is published, but a new DREAM Act bill was introduced today. The new bill is a bit different from the current version, but not by that much. Everything is the same but the changes are pretty much:
– 10 years of temporary status vs. the previous 6 years
– Specifically barring DREAMers from access to health care subsidies etc.
– Age cap is 30 vs. the previous of 35
– Removal of the language that would have not punished states for providing in-state tuition
Everything else is pretty much the same. The actual text of the bill will be up on www.thomas.gov in a few days, it’ll be Senate bill 3999.
Why the new bill?
Because we have to pass something immigration related this year and we have to be willing to compromise. Republicans have been complaining about the age cap so it was changed. Republicans have been complaining about “criminals will qualify” so it was explicitly put in the bill that folks will need a background check. A few other things were added to make sure that republicans will be out of excuses not to support this bill.
Many republicans should now be in full support of this legislation, our job is going to be to make sure they are. Check out the target guys and call!
i thought there was an agreement to keep this bill private….
Meeting with Hutchison's Houston office tomorrow to talk about the new bill…. i hope she doesn't find a new excuse to not vote for this bill….
I know some people might not be ok with the 10 year renewable visa, However, It is a good start, it is better than nothing and DREAM eligible students would still be allowed to apply for Permanent Residence if they qualify through other means such as family sponsorship, marriage or other ways while they are under conditional non-immigrant status…
I will be there too
For the over 30 Dreamers, try to add or US High school graduates, regardless of age, who have already earned an undergraduate or graduate degree in the US, and/or are married to a US citizen in good standing.
I know this would not help all, but could help some.
Good Luck!
What? That would not be fair for those of us who have been here longer and were also brought here as children and are past the age of 30. We are also part of that DREAM.
They haven't stated whether or not the retroactive benefits are still in there. If they are, and you are over 30, and you have an AA or 2years into a bachelor's program, you should qualify.
For students that have already graduated from college (I am 26 years old), they will still qualify under the DREAM Act right?
yes unless they bring it down to 25 and it doesn’t matter if you have a phd and a medical degree. you should be ok. what i hate about the age limit the most is that it takes people out. other provisions makes it harder, but people can still apply and benefit. can’t get a loan. fine. get a second job and you can still do it. over 30? nothing you can do about it.
get another job? how da hell are you suppose to work 2 jobs and pay out of state tuition without a load? that’ll never happen. this is ridiculous idk why we get our hopes up bleh :
i meant loan*
you can get loans.
Juan, now you understand how US Citizens feel having to compete for the few jobs available…many US and naturalized citizens are competing for the same jobs you are trying to get…but good news, I was totally against the DREAM Act as previous written, with the changes, I will tell my two Senators and Representative that I’m OK with it…to me it’s all about fairness, remember, many of young illegal aliens are in this situation because of your parents decision to come to US illegally…why should your situation have more priority than another immigrant trying to come to US legally…? if we are not going to follow INS laws, then you should be fighting to have the laws rescinded or amended…just don’t thumb your nose at our nations right to sovereign borders…have a safe and happy holiday season and best of luck on getting the DREAM Act passed as amended….Bill
Juan, I agree. What i hate most about the negative aspects of the bill is the age cap. I just turned 25, and i would hate to think that someone who just turned 31 wouldn’t even be able to apply. It’s ridiculous.
Well, just remember that there is a waiver attached to the bill.
I agree with you. I am only 18 but i think the same way but lets just keep in mind that the dream act is just a step closer to get an immigration reform. so why dont we keep making those calls to the senators. What we have to do is come together to fight one thing and then together fight another.
I mean I am 20 but it was the older DREAMERS that gave us the path and alot of the few benefits that we have …..
I agree, also what about the time gap between now (the bill being revised) and later (when the bill is actually passed), that time gap could be anything and those waiting for it could be on that age cusp.
I know that is not right I came here at 14 years old I did’t chose to come here but I am been a good student, I almost finish my master degree but I am not going to qualify for the dreamAct because I am 35 years old…..is not fair
Mona, I somewhat agree with you…and would support your case if I was given the chance to vote…with one requirment first…just a small one, secure our borders by any means necessary, not only to keep other illegal aliens from waltzing across the borders, but also to keep out any terrorists that may get the idea of an easy way to use our weakness against us…
I hope the age change goes back to 35.
democrats always cave to republicans and they will still will vote no.
its the Peanuts story all over again
Charlie Brown never gives up that one day he'll kick that football and Lucy always pulls back the football
This seems like a sell-out. Republicans should be on-board with this legislation as it was written…”should be”, but aren't. We shouldn't just pass a bill to pass a bill. If anything needs to be edited in the bill with respect to any and all implications, then edit the bill to remove any inferred information. The D.R.E.A.M. Act was to bring justice to this nations' immigration policies, and this new version of the act seems like a watered-down version of that justice.
The reality is this: Republican support is needed and without modifications, this bill will die once again. This is our last shot for many years, if not ever!
You can't have it your way or nothing at all because you're going to end up with just that: NOTHING.
Justice is access and institutional recognition. Justice isn't getting all you want, when you want it. The kind of rhetoric you speak is exactly what derailed CIR the last time around, with pro-immigrant groups bickering about what should/shouldn't be compromised.
We have to sacrifice here and push forward for this victory.
We must be smart and flexible in our tactics but remain firm in our values.
What has defeated the immigrant rights has been this defeatist attitude. The Civil rights movement for example did not settle for partial repeal of segregation, it fought until the very end.
The way amnesty will be achieved is if we rebuild our movement so that we can organize strikes and mass marches like we did in 2006. It should be clear already that Democrats are part of the same system that benefits from keeping us immigrants in the shadows.
“The way amnesty will be achieved is if we rebuild our movement so that we can organize strikes and mass marches like we did in 2006.”
And you wonder why some people are skeptical of your motives?
Most CIR bills introduced over the past few years have had strong comprehensive enforcement measures to “secure” the border, increase deportation, and increase local capacity for detention; but had little to bring millions into a path to citizenship. In fact, I believe in the worst of the CIR bills (where 23 out of the 26 pages were focused on enforcement), the maximum years of a temporary visa status was 8 years. It sounds like elected opponents of the DREAM Act and political careerists afraid to lose popularity continue to make a clear stance by adding two more years.
What became dangerous with previous CIR bills and mid 1990′s law, was that many immigrant rights groups “compromised” on enforcement measures and, by default, the logic which criminalized immigrants to win a few republic votes; then it was the same republic heads who either killed the bills or continued to pass anti-immigrant legislation.
It’s not necessary to study too far into the past to learn from previous mistakes. Frank Sharry, who’s been around since the beginning knows best.
Suerte para todos en sus rigiones del pais. espero que pase esta vez, y so no, es nuestro deber de pensar de otra estrategia. El cambiar la mentalidad de la jente y tocar los corazones de otros no es una campania, es un movimiento social.
Also, does anyone know why there’s an anti-NLRA (labor law) ad by FedEx on the center of this article? Is it just my computer? The law provision FedEx talks about here would allow workers to unionize like UPS workers if FedEx was covered by the NLRA and not the Railway Act.
I agree that justice isn’t getting all you want, but i disagree that it is simply “access and institutional recognition”. It is much more than that. Those that fall under DREAM Act will still be restricted in many, many ways. We will still be treated OUTSIDE of the margins of US society, albeit being able to get a legal job, so yes I agree in being flexible and willing to compromise in desperate situations. But how much is too much? I’m not saying for us not to continue pushing this forward, but like Joe said, “We must be smart and flexible in our tactics but remain firm in our values”. We have to think clearly on far will we compromise because right wing opponents will keep finding excuses to change it here and kill a little bit more there. The longer we wait, the harder it becomes for those getting older, so something is better than nothing. But i wouldn’t call this justice.
Wait? So no in-state tuition? I'm confused.
You wouldn't need in-state tuition provision because you would be considered a legal resident and thus qualify for in-state tuition.
The 1996 immigration reform law stands, punishing states that offer in-state tuition to undocumented immigrants who don't also offer it to U.S. citizens. The DREAM Act in-state provision would have repealed that part of the law, allowing states to issue in-state tuition to undocumented immigrants (and not to out of state U.S. citizens) without consequence.
some people think that those with conditional status will not get instate because they they aren’t permanent residents. I think they are nuts, but if they are right, then some will pay outstate. who cares if you have to pay anyway? you will be legal and be able to drive w/o fear and work and be part of society.
yes, but under the new version, you get a “temporary non-immigrant status” not “conditional permanent residence”, so, would a non-immigrant status also give you in-state tuition?
This totally sucks for me I met all requirements in the previous bill but now I dont!! Im very upset to hear about this i was very hopeful making calls all day today and yesterday thinking that this was it!! but now this? come on now!! we're conforming to the oppositions demands??? Whatever happened to not giving up our dreams and demans that we as humans and good people of society have??This is totally unfair for alot of us falling short a year or two. So much for the so call DREAM. If they're changing the bill they should also change the name because this isnt what alot of us signed up for since the beginning! What difference does it make if uve been here for 6, 8, or 10 yrs??? as long as you have met all the other requiremets that really matter such as having a GED, background check, good record, and you AA or military service? We all knw passing the dream act is the right thing to do, because it would benefit our society tremendously and it would also show that hard work pays off!! What is an AA degree good for other than all the knowledge acquire when your're getting mininum wage at a coffee machine factory?? I
You're not making any sense.
If you have satisfied all of the required conditions, but fall outside of the age cap, then you should be fine given the retroactive provision. The age cap will matter for those who did not complete the 2 year college requirement (or military, which is not possible since undocumented immigrants can't serve).
Now is not the time to get discouraged! Press forward.
Oh God!! thanks for explaning this to me I really thought I was out of eligiblility. I feel so relieved now thanks!!
wait. the retroactive provision, even the most revised one, isn’t very clear on this. it just says if you’ve satisfied all of the requirements included in the bill, you are okay. but, it doesn’t say that you are exempt from the under 30 provision. we should seek to get clarification on this and a guarantee.let’s not deceive ourselves with wishful thinking. Reason, if you have better info, then please let us know! but as we know, there is already a big gap between what “should” be and what is. that’s the whole point of fighting this thing. however, if despite all our efforts, you are aged out by these unfortunate but seemingly necessary political compromises, then by all means don’t give up the fight. we still need you!if they start trying to add enforcement measures, or blocking us from petitioning our parents and siblings once we are actually citizens, then we should really watch out.
Even though there are a few changed i still love it! If this is what it takes for the republicans to get on board im all for it! I just want my education !
As long as it gives legal status and an opportunity to work to pay for a college education, I am okay with such legislation.
Have you considered that seeing how restrictive it has turned, you will still face the same hardships that we do as undocumented already? Check it out we will be charged as a out of state students and won't qualify for financial aid!
but he can work and drive and has ten years to do two years of college. if one can’t do two years in ten, then you should be deported. obviously one isn’t the best of the best that society has to offer.
So much for keeping it quiet, the guy specifically said not to post on the web until it was online at the congress's website…
How about to further compromise and make sure it passes we ad a estipulation that the US will go to war in Iraq and that all Dreamers will provide 10 years of slave labor?
Because the point is just to pass something about immigration, not something silly like fighting for justice or anything like that.
Uh, has somebody told these Senators that in order to join the military (any branch) you need a Green Card. A visa won't allow us to do that. It defeats the purpose of the military option and only lets go to school.
hmmm… Or do they know that already and are waiting for it to fail just to point fingers…AGAIN?
[...] ?to the DREAMActivist web site, a new version of the DREAM Act was introduced yesterday by Illinois Senator Durbin in an effort to [...]
I dont like the new changes, especially the age difference. sadly, this may be the only way that we can get Republicans to support.
We need to send the message pass the Dream Act Now.!!!! No more excuses we need to do JUSTICE to our own youth. If we do not do it in the future America is going to regretted. We are spending money in they elementary education, they are already educated. What more we are expecting of them? America wake up those kids are our future,!!!!!!!
i also agree with Milly. the important thing is that we get any or some republicans to get on board. the main thing is we have bipartisian support and tho there it will take 10yrs to upgrade our status, atleast we can work(legally), drive(legally), get a good education, and be able to travel in/out of the United States. so instead of looking at the downside of this bill, we should all be GREATFUL TO GOD that its better than nothing. God bless u all and keep praying that all will end well. HAPPY HOLIDAYS. P.s, all i want for christmas and my birthday, cuz they're back to back, is for this bill to pass. nothing more and nothing less!
YEAHHHH!!! Anything is better than what is happening right now! I know so many people that are living in fear. They are not blood related but they are my family. I protect them anyway I can. It stresses me out too and I'm a US citizen. That's sad that the US is like this. GO SENATOR REID!!! GET IT PASSED!!!! I wish I was old enough to be in Congress. I'm a Republican and I'm all for it!!! Not all Republicans are bad. 10 years is better than nothing at all. Let's all band together, it's the only way it's going to get passed. Let's all stand up against the government and REMIND them they are to be run by The People not themselves. They can't ignore the fact that immigration is a problem. They have to compromise some how. They are very ignorant. One day they are going to get their eyes opened. Believe and pray and it will get passed!!!
This is wong; this is a complete sell-out; just like the healthcare bill. It should keep the age cap at 35 because it would also benefit those who have been working and paying taxes, BUT who have lived here for a long ;graduated High School AND have lived here for a long time. If they intended to change the age; they should have done so a while back. In fact, the bill has a provision that allows beneficiaries to keep their status should they NOT be able to afford school. Well, then that makes the whole AA or two years of college moot; because if you have a family to support; you're undocumented; must pay out of state tuition costs, or simply have a decent income, AND HAVE BEEN PAYING TAXES for a decade or more, why shouldn't you be allowed to have status? Oh, but you're now 31. Sorry, tough s****.
A lot of agricultural workers who are under 35 would qualify for this as well. And you must not have a final order of deportation or removal. I don't see a provision to vacate these orders if you have good moral character and meet other requirements. How will all of these people who have been let out of detention because they had final orders of deportation get around this? Will they be forced to have to pay for representation, file and appeal, etc? Call this what it is, a SELL OUT.
For the over 30 Dreamers, try to add or US High school graduates, regardless of age, who have already earned an undergraduate or graduate degree in the US, and/or are married to a US citizen in good standing.
I know this would not help all, but could help some.
Good Luck!
If Republicans say only tax issues in the lame duck, you might want to remind them that the Dream Act does have to do with taxes and jobs. More legal workers= more taxpayers. More Hispanics opening legal business= more jobs. People connect the dots!
age cap is treason and if we are going to have one, let's make it 18. last time I checked a 19 year-old wasn't a minor. Since people now have 10 years, there are no more excuses and hope that they took out the humanitarian exception out. sec 505 of 1996 should have never been part the bill and good to see it gone. Hope they take the military option out as the DREAM advocates hate it and don't know how to use it for their advantage. And does this mean that DREAMERS will not have to buy health care as stated in obamacare?
and while we are at it, i would it clear that those that are 50 and been here for a week can be deported if they apply for DREAM. People are crying like the bitches that they are because they think that false applicants will not be deported. And if anyone is found guilty of a felony, they can be deported right away and will not have to wait for six/ten years to be up.
The DREAM Act has been around for a number of years. Too bad for the un-documented children that it was not passed years ago. Now is the time to pass the DREAM Act, but beware of too much compromise and the un-documented children come out of this with crumbs dropped from the table of those who have citizenship, instead of a true pathway to citizenship through higher education. Why expend the years that the children have to be in the US, that only eliminates thousands of eligible young people? These young people are not criminals, yet we keep them in the prision of the un-documented. We hold over their heads that if you come out of the shadows, we (ICE) will deport you. Are our lawmakers only thinking of their next ellection or are they really thinking about what is good for the people. Where is Abraham Lincoln when we need him?
The DREAM Act has been around for a number of years. Too bad for the un-documented children that it was not passed years ago. Now is the time to pass the DREAM Act, but beware of too much compromise and the un-documented children come out of this with crumbs dropped from the table of those who have citizenship, instead of a true pathway to citizenship through higher education. Why expend the years that the children have to be in the US, that only eliminates thousands of eligible young people? These young people are not criminals, yet we keep them in the prision of the un-documented. We hold over their heads that if you come out of the shadows, we (ICE) will deport you. Are our lawmakers only thinking of their next ellection or are they really thinking about what is good for the people. Where is Abraham Lincoln when we need him?
The DREAM Act has been around for a number of years. Too bad for the un-documented children that it was not passed years ago. Now is the time to pass the DREAM Act, but beware of too much compromise and the un-documented children come out of this with crumbs dropped from the table of those who have citizenship, instead of a true pathway to citizenship through higher education. Why expend the years that the children have to be in the US, that only eliminates thousands of eligible young people? These young people are not criminals, yet we keep them in the prision of the un-documented. We hold over their heads that if you come out of the shadows, we (ICE) will deport you. Are our lawmakers only thinking of their next ellection or are they really thinking about what is good for the people. Where is Abraham Lincoln when we need him?
The DREAM Act has been around for a number of years. Too bad for the un-documented children that it was not passed years ago. Now is the time to pass the DREAM Act, but beware of too much compromise and the un-documented children come out of this with crumbs dropped from the table of those who have citizenship, instead of a true pathway to citizenship through higher education. Why expend the years that the children have to be in the US, that only eliminates thousands of eligible young people? These young people are not criminals, yet we keep them in the prision of the un-documented. We hold over their heads that if you come out of the shadows, we (ICE) will deport you. Are our lawmakers only thinking of their next ellection or are they really thinking about what is good for the people. Where is Abraham Lincoln when we need him?
The DREAM Act has been around for a number of years. Too bad for the un-documented children that it was not passed years ago. Now is the time to pass the DREAM Act, but beware of too much compromise and the un-documented children come out of this with crumbs dropped from the table of those who have citizenship, instead of a true pathway to citizenship through higher education. Why expend the years that the children have to be in the US, that only eliminates thousands of eligible young people? These young people are not criminals, yet we keep them in the prision of the un-documented. We hold over their heads that if you come out of the shadows, we (ICE) will deport you. Are our lawmakers only thinking of their next ellection or are they really thinking about what is good for the people. Where is Abraham Lincoln when we need him?
the over 30 cap? I don't know about that. You're pretty much screwing over a whole number of people that fall between the ages of 30 and 35. It's not just a few people, but rather thousands. Not ok
I don't quite understand this part, “Removal of the language that would have not punished states for providing in-state tuition”, can someone explain it? Thank you
I don't quite understand this part, “Removal of the language that would have not punished states for providing in-state tuition”, can someone explain it? Thank you
come on people we have been waiting for this for years. Just gives us the opportunity and we will show everybody that we deserve this opportunity, Perseverance never fails!
Ok so alot of miss-informed persons including my neighbors (which are white) are asking if the law will stay forever, and that will encourage alot of families from other countries to bring their kids and get legal status…so from what age to what age would a person qualify for this?
I haven’t looked at the language of the new bill, but the previous versions state that you have to have been here at least 5 years PRIOR to the enactment of the bill. Say the bill becomes law in 2011, that means you should have arrived here in 2006. People arriving after 2006 will not qualify.
I also agree with the age cap…we must achieve something and be flexible with our requisites. If we keep hoping to get 100% satisfaction out of this WE WILL NEVER GET NOTHING!!!!
This is BS, my friend is 32 and has lived in the country for 18 years since he was 14 years old and has an Associate Degree. He wants to get a Bachelors Degree but cannot get any student loans, DREAM ACT will help him get student loans to attain a Bachelors Degree. 18 years is almost double of 10 years.
I just turned 30 at the end of October of this year. Does it mean I will not be eligible for the Dream Act? I have been here since the age of 8. I have a Bachelor’s degree.
I am in the same boat as you. Its heartbreaking but that Retro section is misleading. It does say Sec 4a1 but does not mention F. Also if we are not qualified then why is that section in there? If you read the whole bill, you don’t need Retro part for someone who already has a Degree and under 30. Probably a clerical error?
It just seems like a slap in the face just when all that has been done to get this legislation to this point. I got the degree, paid taxes, volunteer in my community (to the point I’m called a role model) and now this gets yanked away. I would even join the military to just have the chance at papers. These compromises slowly lowered our numbers and cause resent among our ranks. This compromises need to stop.
…These compromises need to stop. Sorry for the typo.
Call and e-mail every senator with your question. I suggested that Dreamers who already had achieved a degree could still qualify regardless of age but I am not sure if anyone was listening.
Ask again, it is not to late.
Actually im first time freshman enrolled into a community college, age 19. Could i qualify if i complete two years of college, or must be a HIGHER EDUCATION?? But i still dont understand how some undocumented students get to higher education without applying to FAFSA. If i get any of those two, (temporal residence, or permanent resident) Should I still have any opportunity to apply for FAFSA?? Hope you can answer my question.
Thanks.
I’m in the same situation.The way I did it was by applying for private scholarships and working hard during the summer. We do not qualify for FASFA right now so just try applying online. Good luck.
One good thing that can come out of this is getting the Republicans to vote Yes for the Dream Act. Thank you Senator for showing the government that Dreamers are willing to compromise.
I hope and pray every night that this bill passes. we should all pray that this bill passes we should also have more meetings.
If Mr. Durbin would added the clause, “by the age of 30″, to the retroactive benefits clause, we could help bring back the 30+ years olds into the mix. Most, if not all, will have earned a bachelors if not masters, by the age of 30. We should ask Mr. Durbin and opponents to recognize this.
“SEC. 7. RETROACTIVE BENEFITS.
If, on the date of the enactment of this Act, an alien has satisfied all the requirements of section 4(a)(1) and section 6(d)(1)(D) [please add clause here!!!], the Secretary of Homeland Security may cancel removal and grant conditional nonimmigrant status in accordance with section 4. The alien may apply for adjustment of status in accordance with section 6(a) if the alien has met the requirements of subparagraphs (A), (B), and (C) of section 6(d)(1) during the entire period of conditional nonimmigrant status.”
I suppose the rest is okay. An extended temporary status is better than nothing. What does the removal of the in-state tuition language mean? Will that prevent states from offering in-state tuition? What does everybody think of this?
Then it would say Sec 4a1(F) which it does not. Why does it say you have to meet 6(d)(1)(D) You notice the capital letter (D)? This means it would clearly mention (F) but it does not so this is controversial now. I have also read the older version where the requirement was age 35 and it still said the same thing in there. I do meet the requirements of 6(d)(1)(D) already. Also completion of a 4 year degree qualifies too under 6(d)(1)(D).
Hold on, can you clarify what you mean? I’m not sure what all the D’s and F’s, and little d’s mean.
unfortunately, if you read it. section 4a1 does include the (F) within it. 6(d)1(D) includes all the requirements within that, so sadly, I don’t think the retro-active benefits would apply to over 30 folks.
unless the House version is clearer about that. i wish somebody would clarify this.
The compromise hurt… We give up a lot with age dropping from 35-30, but we still can help thousands… The change had to be done… Long Live the Dream Act…
In the Senate S3992 under the Retroactive Benefits. What if someone has a Bachelor’s degree but is over the age 30? Would they still qualify? I know it says Sec 4a1 but it does not mention (F) which has the age cap. Does this mean you have to fultill A-F?
In the older version, it said 4a1 from A-E but not F.
The bill is not clear. Maybe they will revise it again?
What about those that did well in high school or dropped out because they had to work to support their families and are now over 30 and have not earned a college degree due to other responsabilities? I think that the DREAM Act would have motivated older individuals to get educated if things were easier for them, it isn't fair, my brother is trying so hard to go back to school get his GED and then go to college, he came here to work and had no choice on the matter, it isn't fair that he wouldn't qualify even retroactively just because of an age gap, he's been here longer than other people who'd qualify!
i can definitely understand how it would really suck if some will not qualify even retrospectively with this new age cap, if they didn’t have the chance to go to college in their twenties.
that really sucks. however, if we have to swallow this new age cap just to get something passed, then we should continue to advocate for those who want to continue their educations after a bill like this is enacted. it could be part of our post-Dream legalization campaigns; those that will apply to older dreamers, our parents, and the folks who don’t qualify under Dream as it is or may be.
In Texas, there's a law sb.1528 that states immigrants can pay in state tuition if they have graduated from high school or received a GED and had reside in the United States five years prior to graduation. So if this new version of the Dream Act passes would i have to pay in state tuition or out state tuition?? Im currently paying in state tuition.
I am wondering the same thing! California offers the same thing. I am currently enrolled in a UC, and it’s a struggle to pay in-state tuition with now financial aid, there is no way I would be able to graduate if they forced us to pay out of state tuition. This part of the bill really bothers me.
We need to put all the financial stuff aside for now and focus on passing the bill, I’ve worked so hard to make my way through college and all I want is an opportunity to keep going. Please call your senators and spread the word, we need to pass the DREAM ACT this year!!!!
The age cap is the only thing i find unfair in this bill. But, their is something to understand, we have to give something in order to get something in exchange. It can’t be expected to recieve all the benefits and or for this bill to be all pretty and soft. The Bill is the best ive seen in the 10 journey to try and get it approved. Eventhough i believe no Republican will vote for this bill not because its not good but because they have aggred to denie every bill that goes up for a vote until the Bush Tax are reapproved. We deserve a chance to show them that we are AMERICANS and this bill is the path to show them
sell out
i came to usa when i was 16 do i qualify for the dream act???
I was brought 2 months and 1/2 after I turned 16 …. that means that I wont qualify????/ Im currently 23, and next semester ill be graduating w 3 degrees in international business, marketing and management?????????? On all the other requirements I qualify for sure just this little one that to me seems a BIG ONE??? Are there any waivers in my case???? Please Help!! Thanks
beggars can’t be choosers- sure it sucks for the people that are over the age of 30. but something needs to be done in order to get more republican support. anyone who doesn’t qualify has to tell themselves that everything happens for a reason. I’m confused about one thing, so when it passes. will the dream act students not be able to qualify for in state tuition in the state they lived in? we have to pay out of state no matter which state we are. and we can’t get a loan? that’s a bit harsh, but we can make it work! stay positive. be positive. the dream will happen!
make those phone calls people!!! call the representatives on the list! the dream will happen! we have to be positive. I have been waiting so long for this. I was brought here when I was 10 years old. I attended college for two years but don’t have my Associates. as of right now I am just working. I would love to attend a university and continue my education. who cares if we don’t get instate tuition. at least we’ll be able to drive and work legally. hope you guys are making those phone calls!
what if you ‘re 30 years old,, do you qualified?
there is no bill 3999 for the dream act only a bill 3992 which was presented the 30th
problem is, is they are not americans, they love mexico and get insulted by our flag. no they speak spanish and are in gangs, graffetti our country! and collect welfare checks off us the tax payers, have babies like feral cats and over populate our schools. nope the repubs work for the people and they will not vote for illegal aliens getting any more freebies off us the tax payers.
You don’t even know what you’re talking about. So i suggest for you to think before you speak Cause the most people i see under the freeways asking for money are Americans and African Americans. And for your information Not all Hispanics are from Mexico. First think about what you’re writing cause you’re making yourself look really dumb!
Karen, the focus is on creating fairness for our Latino Community and building a pathway so that many have the ability to become educated and be the Leaders in the near future, further strengthening and positively representing the Latino peoples. Pointing toward the small percentage of American woman that are “drug addicts” who receive benefits or the United States homeless population using broad generalized statements, feeds into the same type of stereotypical comments that have senselessly divided our Latino and American neighbors. The fact is, once on AFDC, having additional pregnancy’s, and therefore children, are not covered financially within the program and there are time-limits now as well that require “get back to work” programs. While I completely agree that bringing up the history of the 70′s and early 80′s and asserting those conditions as if they are current is a distortion of the truth and a misinformed distraction; yet, adding similar comments about your Americana sisters and-or brothers only creates further divisive reaction. The majority of Americans support the Dream Act, being immigrants at some time in their own families history there is understanding. So, let’s focus on making the calls to ensure the passage of the Dream Act, so we can develop tomorrow’s Leaders and build pathways to brighter futures for all of us. Si, Se Puede!
Karen, our primary focus is on creating fairness for our Latino Community and building a pathway so that many have the ability to gain their educations and become Leaders in the near future, further strengthening and positively representing the Latino peoples. Pointing toward the small percentage of American woman that are “drug addicts” who receive benefits or the United States homeless population using broad generalized statements, feeds into the same type of stereotypical comments that have senselessly divided our Latino and American neighbors. The fact is, once one is a recipient of AFDC, having additional pregnancies, (and therefore additional children), are not covered financially within the program and there are time limits now, as well; that require “get back to work” programs.
While, I completely agree with you that for an individual to bring up the history of the 70′s and early 80′s, and then assert those conditions as if they are current is a distortion of the truth and a misinformed distraction; yet, adding similar comments about your Americana sisters and-or brothers only creates further divisive reaction. The majority of Americans support the Dream Act; being immigrants at some time in their own family’s history, there is understanding. So, let’s focus on making the calls to our elected officials to ensure the passage of the Dream Act, so we can develop tomorrow’s Latino Leaders and build pathways to brighter futures for all of us. Si, Se Puede!
sorry to contradict you but all the welfare girls, section 8, food stamps, social security people that I know are american. There are many drug addicts that stop working because of the and they are collecting disability just because they can’t work. Illegals came here for work and for a better life.
this would encourge more mexican woman to flood here with their kids, not good for america. why cant these illegals go home and go to school in mexico.
Well since this legislation would only apply to those CURRENTLY in the US, this argument does not hold.
Um, wrong, Rivera-Palleres.
Because DREAM I would inevitably lead to DREAM II in ten years. And then DREAM III, and so on. Once the precedent is set, we will be legalizing the next crop of illegals every so often.
Well, it’s irrelevant because the DREAM act FAILED! Thank God.
What if instead of changing the elegibility age, they would simply add a $1,000 fee to everyone who qualifies and create a fund to secure the borders as all the republicans want. Lowering the age to 30 is not fair to all of us who came as childrean and are not able to benefit from the Dream Act because of a change in elegibility age. I came when I was 14 and are 31 now. I hold a Bachelor Degree in Fiance and Accounting and intend to pursue a Masters Degree but cannot qualify for a LOAN, forget about grants or assistance, all I need is aloan and the opportunity to work. All I am asking for now is a chance to give back to this country and contribute to society.
Henry…exactly, I want our border secured first and foremost, then I would be more than willing to let you take a shot at the American Dream, now if you can just convince the US government to do its job as outlined in Article IV, Section 4 or the US Constitution, then we can get down to business…
At this point, do you know if the retroactive benefits are listed under the updated version of the DREAM Act? I hate it that the age cap is 30, I have a bachelor’s degree and am currently working on my master’s, but I just turned 30 and the updates made to the act killed all my hopes.
Alma, I am 31 now, feel devastated about the new age cap, been here for the past 20 years, i was 12 when my parents brought me and my siblings now 29 and 26 here…my sister will be 30 on sunday, i hope the dream act passes today so that she could benefit from it…
Am a bit confused, I just turned 30 early October. Will I qualify? I have 2 AA’s and a Certificate… got here when I was 12yrs old.
I really think children are all individuals before the age of 18, the initial age of entry should be raised to younger that 18 since being younger than 18 is still considered minor a 16 year old cant make a decision of what to do with their future when still being under the care of parents.
i am currently 17 years old i waz brougth here when i waz 10 or 11 years old i am a senior in high school i will be graduating soon i waz wandering if i would be able 2 cualafy for the dream act if they pass it i dont have any criminal record at all i only have a thiket when i waz a freshman in high school for not attendin a certain class and i will really thank your for your help
i don’t know much about this, so here’s a somewhat ignorant questions: not to offend anyone here but don’t you think that if you return to your country of origin, you’ll have better chance of getting better jobs due to the education you receive here? also since many of undocumented students are of developing and underdevelop countries why depriving your motherland from bright, skilled professionals? we all know latin/south american countries are in need of such skilled professional labors