H.R. 1275 would amend the Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act of 1996 to permit States to determine State residency for higher education purposes and to authorize the cancellation of removal and adjustment of status of certain alien students who are long-term United States residents and who entered the United States as children.
Detailed Summary
American Dream Act - Amends the Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act of 1996 to repeal the denial of an unlawful alien's eligibility for higher education benefits based on state residence unless a U.S. national is similarly eligible without regard to such state residence.
Authorizes the Secretary of Homeland Security to cancel the removal of, and adjust to conditional permanent resident status, an alien who: (1) entered the United States before his or her sixteenth birthday, and has been present in the United States for at least five years immediately preceding enactment of this Act; (2) is a person of good moral character; (3) is not inadmissible or deportable under specified grounds of the Immigration and Nationality Act; and (4) at the time of application, has been admitted to an institution of higher education, or has earned a high school or equivalent diploma.
Sets forth the conditions for conditional permanent resident status.
Authorizes an alien who has satisfied the appropriate requirements prior to enactment of this Act to petition the Secretary for conditional permanent resident status.
Sets forth requirements respecting: (1) exclusive jurisdiction; (2) confidentiality; (3) fee prohibitions; (4) higher education assistance; and (5) a Government Accountability Office (GAO) report respecting the number of aliens adjusted under this Act.
Status of the Legislation
Latest Major Action: 6/5/2007: Referred to House subcommittee. Status: Referred to the Subcommittee on Higher Education, Lifelong Learning, and Competitiveness.
Points in Favor
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Points Against
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Visitor Comments
Anonymus
The children of other criminals face the results of their parents' crimes: lower income, separation from parents during jailtime, and a worse future because of their involuntary association with criminals.
But not the kids of the loveable illegal immigrants! If they can sneak their child into America, the reward is instate tuition and a path to citizenship.
Citizens' children cannot cross state lines and benefit from instate tution, but illegal immigrants' children are given those rates though they have no right to be in the country at all?
Another incentive for illegal immigration.
For every illegal child in state college, a legal citizen will be excluded.
These kids' complaint is with their parents for putting them in this situation, not asking for gifts from taxpayers. They got a free education, obtained illegally, in public schools and that is enough.
kellyncali
when does the free ride end?
anonymus
By passing this law more people would pay taxes. how is that not beneficiary?
mike
In response to anonymus, Why can't you take responsibility for your statement.
Poli Sci
Leting other people that are alians come to our cuntry free of charge is bs. If they werent born here the cant live here for free. I dont live here for free so what makes them so special to live here for free and i was born here. Thats bull. YOu all need to get your head outta your asses and realize what you are talking about.
Anonymus #2
The children of other criminals face the results of their parents' crimes: lower income, separation from parents during jailtime, and a worse future because of their involuntary association with criminals.
Poli Sci you hit the nail on the head.
Sorry had to repeat it I agree.
lui
the limited perspective that most of you have is pathetic.
First of all the children of illegal immigrants did NOT have a choice in coming to the U.S. Most of them are taken against their will.
as for calling the life of a illegal child a free ride is completely absurd. look at the demographics of every city and you will the notice the poor education these children receive.
as for higher education, explore the facts, in most UC's theere is hardly 1% of illegal immigrants attending, why? because they cannot afford the tutution, therefore it cannot be called a free ride. A free ride is FAFSA and all the government aid available.
lui part 2
i cant help but laugh at the comment from anonymous "For every illegal child in state college, a legal citizen will be excluded. "
if you have common sense you would realize that over 98% of students in calstates, uc's etc are citizens.
when has a u.s citizen been excluded because of legal status?
nevertheless it comes down to a students reputation better yet their academic performance.
if a u.s citizen applies to a calstate with a 2.0 and an illegal immigrant with a 3.5 it is only commonsense that those with higher grades will be accepted
lui part 3
to: poli sci
any indivial who resides in america
does not live free of charge. examine the facts that everyone pays taxes by being consumers. now poli sci if you mean living free of charge is living in a 5 house bedroom and having all the luxuries you really must be a fool. every individual has to pay rent or house payements, no one in this country lives for free not even homeless people.
finally education is what enables social mobility in this country, everyone has the right to a higher education regardless of your status
these students are the future of america, the future teachers,doctors and lawyers
you let illegal immigrants pick your food, cook your food, serve your food yet you cant let them eat with you!
Angel
is Funny to see a lot of racist comments, but i dont blame none of you, i'm a mexican kid who came here in 2000, yes by force of my parents, and i do not blame them. they did it so we can have a better life, since mexico is broke as hell we cant progress there. and i want to apologize all of those americans that feel hurt because people like us come here and "Invade you'll" MY dream is to become an Architect, Help this country improve by building, better schools, houses, etc etc. many of you say is a free pass. how can that be a free pass? When most of our parents have been paying taxes all the years they've been here and get no benefits for it. most of you think a bad way. but you should think a way to improve your beutiful nation. Thankyou
CitizenSupporter
If these immigrants were coming from Ireland or the UK or Germany, would we be seeing such an uproar? NO. A big reason that there is all this racist anti-undocumented rhetoric being thrown around is because these people have brown skin and speak a different language. I can understand the illegal part, but for students? They were brought here at young ages, most not even being able to comprehend that they were breaking the law. Almost all went through crappy public education and now want to go to college. If they can't go, believe me, they won't deport themselves. They'll continually live in the shadows here in the USA instead of actually contributing to their country, and yes they were raised here and know the language, it is their country as well in all but paper form. This conservative, racist rhetoric disgusts me. Let those who were raised here and know little to nothing of their countries of origin actually go to college (and no, they will NOT be getting "free rides").
PCT
First, these kids DO NOT have free rides to higher education. They have to go through same process as everyone else. They have to work harder in school to get higher grade then apply for scholarship to pay for their tuition. I really don't understand those of you who against this bill. I have seen too many people who do not put any effort into their own carriers then blame others for taking their sopt in the society. Is that why you guys are so aginst this idea?
by the way, Poli Sci, you need to get over yourself. No one lives here for free. So really think what you are saying before making yourself a fool.
sh
The Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security has enough power already. The position actually needs to be eliminated not enhanced.
Beau
I'm unemployed, uninsured, struggling to get by, trying to get more money to pay for school, and still paying taxes so non-citizens can enjoy American jobs, free healthcare, and free tuition?
I will not vote for a Republican who Democrat who supports this.
B
uhm, for those of you who are complaining need to go take a cold shower and wake up.
you guys really don't understand the situation huh?!
really, read the entire bill, re-thinking, then post the comment
Mark B
To Angel:
The way to make our country more beautiful is to deport ALL illegal aliens, including those who were *forced* here by their illegal parents.
You can go through the Naturalization process if you desire to become naturalized, or are you just living the American Dream of becoming an Architect at my expense?
I could care less how racist you say I am, it makes no difference to me. Go back, come back legally and I will welcome you with open arms. Don't use the excuse that your parents forced you here to be a paraiste, as you sound like an able-bodied adult now.
Brian
Why does the government believe that illegal immigrants are entitled to a free lunch at the taxpayer's expense? I don't get it, how does it benefit society to reward criminals? If someone spits in your face, would you beat the
Brian
Uh, it seems I got cut off (Hmmm). Where was I? Oh yeah, if someone were to spit in your face, would you beat the crap out of him, or would you give him a twenty dollar bill and say "thank you sir?" It seems our leftist uber-tolerant government would prefer the latter scenario! It makes no sense why my hard-earned tax dollars should be spent on lawbreakers for their health care, education, housing, transportation, groceries, etc.! And for any of you who would accuse me of being racist, let me set the record straight: I don't give a rat's a** what country you come from or what ethnicity you are, if you don't have the decency to pursue a legal path to citizenship under current law, when so many others have, you simply have no business here! That goes for your offspring too, after all, it is your fault that they are here illegally!
An American who has served with immigrants and earned the GI BIll
Sure let them stay but serve their new country in the Military for four years (or USA Job Corps or Peace Corps for the hippies out there) then and only then go to our Universities. Otherwise apply like all the rest of the world. NO FREE RIDES FOR ANYONE!
An American
Angel. Report to your local USMC recruiter and tell him you are willing to serve this country but need assistance with immigration. best of luck. You would not be the first and NONE would say it was a free ride. Semper Fi
truth
to mark B:
give us the reason why by deporting immigrants will make america more beautiful. if that happens, all the countries will hate america! everything will fall apart, because america was made by immigrants.
there are so many people with millions of dollars on their hands. i wonder if they care about some few dollars -.-
immigrants taking jobs away? hahaha, i believe that it doesn’t matter who takes the job. only matter of "what kind of person" taking the job. i bet Hitler would’ve been praised if he helped poor with his power instead of killing.
more illegally? isn’t America made by immigrants? treason? haha, if u cant trust other country, then how can you expect other country to trust America and not hate the America?
truth
here is my friend's story, real one of course: he is devoted Christian who came from poor family. he came to the united states 7 years ago when he was 12 years old. when they came, his parents trust one person who said he can get them the citizenship when my friend paid. he got scammed of course...but he didnt mind. it was his parents mistake, he just said he will do best to get scholarship. he ended of getting 4.1/4.0 in 4 years of high school, perfect attendance, did over five clubs, NHS, even went to national competition in gymnastics! guess how much he got for his scholarship? 0 dollars!
currently attending community college and hoping for the new law to pass...he did nothing wrong, he just wanted to study so that later on his life, he can repay his debt to those who helped him. also, he wanted to help the poor because he knows how they feel.
Jully
You don't know how miserable my life is w/o having a status from last 9 yrs. I can't work, vote, or be a normal human being.
Anonymous (correctly spelled)
To Poli Sci:
"letting", not "leting", "aliens", not "alians", "country", not "cuntry". I am terribly sorry that an illegal immigrant took your place in school, preventing you to learn how to spell. I realize there is always someone to blame for one's own incompetence, and illegal immigrants are YOUR outlet. I would advise you to read the bill before commenting (or have it read by someone who knows how to read). Finally, I conclude by asking you to please take your own advice: "YOu all need to get your head outta your asses and realize what you are talking about". Thank you.
-An illegal immigrant
Illegal Mom
To Jully:
I'm so sorry that you feel that way. Please don't give up. You can work like the other 11,999,999 illegal immigrants already in the country.(Don't let Poli Psycho believe we are living here for free). Don't worry about voting, you will be able to when this bill passes. Remember that you're a beautiful human being, just for being alive.
I.R.
I’m seriously surprised at the amount of people who comment without knowing the facts. It sounds like everything is based on a racial issue.
I can’t believe that some of you think that illegal immigrants live here for free! Or that immigrants are “taking your jobs” or “taking your spot at a University school”.
First of all, in order to get a job one needs a Social Security number, which is checked for authenticity. And the available jobs for many immigrants are those jobs that most people would not take. Not to mention that they get paid less than minimum wage for said jobs.
Now come living expenses: i.e., house payments, car payments, and food. Which ALL have a tax!! Now, you do realize that all of those taxes become unclaimed money? Yeah, so you people griping about your “hard earned money”. Guess what? You’re able to get more social security services because of that unclaimed tax money.
I.R. (continued)
As for schools and Universities, my goodness! I’m assuming that none of you have seen the requirements to be accepted into a University!!. Universities require students to be legal residents, as well as have a certain grade point average in order to be admitted to the school. Sure, most Universities accept International students, but they all have a requirement (show their visa and legal status in the country), as well as have the same GPA requirements as those who are legal residents. Most International students though, have to pay more for their tuition.
And please, scholarships are merit based. So if you think that someone who busted their backs getting perfect scores in school is not deserving of financial aid, then you are just heartless.
I.R (continued)
It’s hurtful to think that so many people think that illegal immigrants are “getting a free ride”, when most, if not all, have to work harder than the average citizen in order to make a living.
And honestly, becoming a citizen of the U.S. is a difficult and expensive process. So before you start whining about it, make sure you know the facts before you say anything.
Finally, I hope that everyone realizes the requirements for a student to be given the Dream Act, do not include every single illegal immigrant.
~ A disappointed United States Citizen.
Wayne
Lui are you legal? Sounds like you got the free ride too.
What part if illegal don't some of you understand.
This is just so wrong. The people who foffow the rules are the ones punished.
Wayne
I can't understand why people who break our laws think they deserve anything but jail. They certainly don't respect our country they need to stay in their country. If you can't do what is right by our laws we(I) don't want you here.YZZHS
ap
America a nation built by immigrants, who doesn't believe on justice for other immigrants, b/c they only think for themselves. First, took the freedom of the African Americans, now wantig to take education from illegal immigrants, now who is goin to be your next target?????yall brought slaves illegally here, so is it that those not working for free, are not allowed to stay?????? This is a nation of oportunity not a discriminating nation. WE ar ALL EQUAL by the eyes of God, so don't think yall are better than other because of taxes and papers written and made by man. who is going to next in line??? i believe this is a racism country than a oportunity one.
TopAssistant
To educate one child in the Wake County (NC) Public Schools it is approximately $8,900 per year. Our schools are overloaded and we must build more due to illegal aliens. Show me ONE illegal alien family that pays this amount in federal, state and local taxes? Who then pays the difference? We do. Multiply this number by the number of illegal alien kids or anchor babies that will soon be show as just another illegal alien.
Congress (both Democrat and Republican) and all presidents for decades have been breaking this country financially. We are up to debt past our eyeballs.
Our federal debt is $8.3 TRILLION DOLLARS! Communist Red China owns $560 BILLION dollars of our IOUs and still has $1.3 TRILLION dollars, cash, in the bank. They are building their first navy in over 500 years and they have always said they will destroy us. We are helping them with our money. Does anyone see anything disturbing about this?
IM
To: Top-ass-istant
"We must buil more Public Schools due to illegal aliens". Racist Comment,
"Communist Red China". Racist Comment,
"They will destroy us". Paranoid Comment,
-Does anyone see anything disturbing about this?-
Pete
The Dream Act will allow over 2.5 million+ illegal immigrants access to our education system at the expense of US citizens. There is a limited number of enrollment seats at any state college. By flooding our system with Mexico's working poor and criminals will posion our education system. As American's we must demand MEXICO take care of their own people and improve the standard of living. Living off the wallets of hard working US citizen is NOT THE ANSWER.
IT IS NOT OPEN ENROLLMENT DATE USA.
Kate
Do NOT PASS THE DREAM ACT. It is totally unfair and unjust to all American Citizens. They are being sneaky by including it as an amendment and then being passed as a bill. GET RID OF IT AND NO TO 4437 ALSO.
FedUp
Who the hell thinks up this crap?
Illegals - go home. Stay there.
If your country is a rathole, fix it and quit making this country into the same kind of rathole.
IM
To: Kate,
Did you take the time to read the entire bill?,because it seems like you don't know what are you talking about.(Also read the I.R.'s comments above).
How is the "DREAM Act. unfair and unjust to all American Citizens"?.
You are American Citizens,for God's sake, What do you have to lose? Are you another "American citizen",(afraid and paranoid),who do not put any efford into their own carriers then blame others for taking their spot in the school and the society??????
Well,Dear Kate,then I understand. Good Bless you.
Illegal Mom.
IM
Oops! God Bless you. Really.
Brian
It seems there are a few comments suggesting that if these illegals wish to attain legal status, then they should serve in the U.S. Armed Forces. I must say that if they want to prove their loyalty to our great nation that they should do so for at least a period of 5 years, it is the very least that they could do! Right now, all I see them doing is sucking us dry, crying "OPPRESSION!", and lobbying Congress to bastardize our Constitution into a new version of the Communist Manifesto.
c.gray
look at California, a mess in progress and a model of what is to come. We really need more racist in this country. Surely you don't think that we are all stupid concerning your treatment of Indians(which you claim to be when you are on this side of the border) and Afro-Mexicans (yes they do exist but are ignored) in your own country yet come over here and call us racist. I have been there and I might add that this is happening in L.A. right now. We don't need anymore of this crap here so if you do come leave your third world mentality where you got it from, Mexico!!!
John
Is there any Native American here? Are those people legally stay here? How?
Jason
To all those that are against the DREAM Act,
Have you read the text of the bill? Please take the time to do so before robotically repeating things you hear from sensationalist media.
Sara
Very few illigal mexcans pay taxes. For those that do good for them. For those that don't, the fee ride must stop. Our schools are overcrowded. Wouldn't it be interesting to see how much more space and money there would be in the schools if all illegal kids were taken out. I have a nephew who's girlfriend is illegal and so is her her family. They don't pay taxes and in most cases get more benefits from a system i have been paying into since I started working and before that my parents.
Erika
Why do people assume that ALL IMMIGRANTS are from Mexico???
"The Mexicans this, the Mexicans took my job, the Mexicans took my spot in college..."
Seriously... get ahold of yourself... there ARE other immigrants out there, you know...
James
Readers beware! Some of the comments here demonstrate a clear lack of understanding of the provisions of this bill.
I invite you to read it for yourself and not judge it based on comments from some discriminatory nativist propaganda campaign.
I'm sure that once you become familiar with what this bill aims to do you will be convinced that it is in line with the principles of this country and that it will benefit both taxpayers and America in general for many years to come.
anonymous...
Undocumented students do not get in state tuition....that's only if they have lived in that state for 3 previous years and graduated from an acredited high school in that state, just like any other student. Undocumented people still have to pay taxes...and do pay taxes. Undocumented people don't take peoples jobs...when have you seen an undocumented CEO....or when have you seen a us citizen doing the crappy jobs that an undocumented person does. undocumented students don't take other's student's place in colleges, they earn them. As a matter of fact they work harder for that acceptance into college than any other us citizen. before people go out and spill out their verbal diarrhea they should get the facts straight!
Crusader Driver
This is pure shameless pandering for votes by a bunch of socialist senators who worship the symbol of their idolatry, political power to grow a dependent class of voters to keep them in office.
Taylor Lenin
This Act is just what America needs to keep justice in our government. The people benefited by the DREAM Act need justice just as much as anyone. Why not give it to them? They deserve it.
[Bum] ™
everyone is intitle to live the american dream, your family immigrated her at some point so what the hell is your problem. Even if they are immigrants, they just want to better them selves, you dont know how they were treated in thier country, you dont know what is going on, so if you dont know sh**, just dont talk
Andreinna
i agree with BUM
Carlos
Wow... MANY of the comments here are done by whom? Americans? Right... you can't even spell right and you're critizing me? Well, here's an illegal immigrant for you. I'm not here to get a free ride, I'm here for a better future. PLEASE do find a spelling error.
Janet
PLEASE, READ THE BILL BEFORE WRITING A COMMENT!