DREAM Act a Win-Win: Good for Immigrant Women and Good for Economy

http://www.californiaprogressreport.com/site/node/9243

“Educate a boy, and you educate an individual. Educate a girl, and you educate a community.”

The DREAM Act sustains the hope that children will break the cycle of poverty and fulfill the American Dream. It will also enrich our country’s economy with skilled and dedicated young people well worth the investment. This legislation will provide thousands of undocumented students a path to legal status through education or military service, and allow them to receive limited federal financial aid. To qualify, students must graduate from U.S. high schools, possess good moral character, have arrived in the U.S. as minors, and been here continuously for at least five years before the bill’s passage.

This month marks the tenth anniversary of when the Senate first proposed the DREAM Act, but it still has not gained sufficient traction to be signed into law. Because financial stability in this rough economic climate is our nation's top priority, it is imperative now, more than ever, that Congress passes the DREAM Act. Research from the Migration Policy Institute shows that the median annual income of immigrant men is nearly $12,000 less than native-born male citizens. Immigrant women fare worse, making on average over $16,000 less. Lack of access to higher education is the chief culprit. As a result, many bright young women have minimal access to opportunities crucial to restarting the U.S. economy.

Opponents of the DREAM Act will argue that the legislation rewards undocumented immigrants while taking away educational opportunities from citizens. However, the DREAM Act will provide educational opportunities to more people who deserve them. According to an Urban Institute study, each year approximately 65,000 undocumented immigrants who have lived in this country for at least five years, graduate from high schools. The DREAM Act will allow these students, including honor students, student leaders and gifted athletes, to fulfill their career aspirations, support their families and contribute to the economy.