The DREAM Act would allow undocumented students who grew up in the US to gain legal status by attending college or joining the military. It has been introduced in Congress multiple times but never passed. Currently, undocumented students cannot access benefits like in-state tuition or financial aid. The DREAM Act would change this by providing a path to citizenship for qualifying undocumented students through higher education or military service.

1. THE DREAM ACT Maria Minchala

2. Pictures….....

3. What is the DREAM Act? The Development, Relief, and Education for Alien Minors (also call “The DREAM Act”) is a immigrant bill that would provide undocumented students to attend college and join the armed forces. These students would become legal residents of the United States and pursue their goals.

4. About The DREAM Act The DREAM Act has been introduced to congress several times. It never pass from the Senate The first time that was introduced was on 2001. The last time was on 2006, however, on October 24, 2007, The DREAM Act was brought up for debate on the Senate floor, but failed to gain cloture by a 52-44 vote.

5. Undocumented students CAN attend a University or any other institute, how would The DREAM Act make the difference? Even tough Universities for example, accept undocumented students; students are not able to obtain some benefits that will help them in their education. For example, they pay out for state tuition, have limited access to scholarships, unable to apply for government educational programs and other resources. Students will be able to WORK while attending school and/or after graduating hence contributing back to our society. There are many students that have a bachelor or even a master that CAN NOT work due to being undocumented. IT IS A SHAME THAT A STUDENT/PERSON WITH GREAT TALENT CAN’T APPLY THEIR KNOWLEDGE IN THE WORK FORCE AND GIVE BACK TO THE SOCIETY THAT EDUCATED THEM.

6. Isn’t there any another avenue for adjusting their status? If a child is brought into the country illegally there is no method of becoming a legal resident. Returning to their country would not guarantee a path to legal status.

7. PRESENTLY UNDOCUMENTED STUDENTS ARE UNABLE TO: Pay in- state tuition or students are paying OUT OF STATE tuition!! Apply for loans Apply for FAFSA Citizen

8. BENEFITS Would initially qualify to apply for “conditional” lawful permanent resident status, which normally would last for six years Chances to apply for scholarships Pay Resident tuition Apply for FASFA Receive scholarships Apply for governmental programs BE able to work Give back to the society that has educated them And many others

9. QUALIFICATIONS……. To qualify, a DREAM Act beneficiary would have to meet certain requirements such as: Grow up in the U.S. before they were 16 years Proof of residency in the United States for at least five consecutive years since their date of arrival. Graduating from high school here (U.S.A) Good moral character

11. Work a significant number of hours of community service

12. At least 910 hoursThose who meet at least one of these requirements would be eligible to apply for law permanent resident (LPR) status.

13. STUDENTS WOULD NOT QUALIFY FOR THIS RELIEF IF……….. They have committed crimes Are a security risk Inadmissible Major drugs charges Or removable on certain other grounds

14. REALITY…………. Each year, approximately 60,000 undocumented young people, including honors students and valedictorians, graduate from our nationals high schools or receive an equivalent degree Federal law strongly discourages states from extending in-state tuition rates to them CANNOT legally work These roadblocks to higher education hurt our society because we are deprived future leaders, and the increased tax revenues and economic growth they would produce. Many of these students do not even finish high school, further limiting their options and ability to contribute to our economy, because they drop out of school once they realize that they will be unable to attend college

15. THE END THANKYOU