User:Sophie Potts/DREAM Act

Introduction
In addition, qualifying immigrant would have been granted certain tax credits, Social Security, medicare benefits, and federal student loans under the Act.

2012
Move the sentence "On September 5, 2017 the Trump administration rescinded the program." to the following section.

2017
On September 5, 2017 the Trump administration rescinded the program, while pushing Congress to enact a replacement to the legislation prior to the elimination of DACA protections. The Dream Act of 2017 was introduced on July 20, 2017 by Senators Lindsey Graham (R-SC), Dick Durbin (D-IL), Jeff Flake (R-AZ), and Chuck Schumer (D-NY). With potential to provide a direct process for gaining U.S. citizenship, this bipartisan act has been both championed and scrutinized, but again failed to pass. People eligible for citizenship are those who are undocumented, have DACA or temporary protected status (TPS) (people without lawful immigration status), and who graduate from U.S. high schools and attend college, enter the workforce, or enlist in the military. Several other bills were introduced in 2012 meant to protect undocumented youth, all similar to the Dream Act, but never becoming law.

The 2017 version of the Act would adapt the current law in several ways. it would give DACA beneficiaries permanent resident status and TPS beneficiaries the opportunity to apply for this status. The pathway to U.S. citizenship would be first conditional permanent resident status for 8 years, apply for and receiving LPR status, spending 5 years in LPR status, and lastly applying for and receiving U.S. citizenship. The Act would also terminate the deportation proceedings of anyone meeting the requirements of the Dream Act and those enrolled in elementary or secondary school over 5 years of age. It lastly would improve accessibility to college in-state tuition and financial aid for undocumented youth and immigrants.

Arguments For and Against the Act
Throughout the life of the DREAM Act, it has garnered much support, backlash, and political attention. The primary arguments of the proponents for and against passing the Act follow.

In support of the DREAM Act

 * Provides structure for gaining citizenship for deserving individuals
 * Benefits those who arrived in the United States as children, therefore who should not be punished for the illegal choices of their families
 * Economic benefits through increased labor and productivity
 * Supports the Armed Forces due to enlistment of well-educated and qualified immigrants

Against the DREAM Act

 * Provides a reward for the disregard of United States immigration laws
 * Transfers the benefits of American citizenship away from long term citizens and toward immigrants
 * Has no provisions in effort of further securing American borders against illegal immigration
 * Potential for fraudulent applications
 * Negatively impacts immigrant family interdependence