Democratic leaders in Congress have at last decided to push for the DREAM (Development Relief and Education for Alien Minors) Act. It is anticipated that both houses of Congess will attempt to schedule a vote on the DREAM Act during the lame-duck session of Congress after the Thanksgiving Holiday.

The DREAM Act is an attempt to resolve the status of approximately 65,000 undocumented students who graduate from U.S. high schools each year. In many cases, these students were brought to the U.S. as very young children, feel culturally American, speak English and have very little connection to their country of birth. Frequently, these students believe themselves to be U.S. citizens until they attempt to go to college, apply for a driver's license, apply for the military or try to work and discover that they are not legally eligible to do so.

In our opinion, the DREAM Act is a common-sense and humane piece of legislation that would provide students who have graduated from high school, stayed out of trouble, and plan to attend college or serve in the military a route to legal status. According to the Immigration Policy Center, research has also shown that "providing a legal status for young people who have a proven record of success in the United States would be a boon to the economy and the U.S. workforce. University presidents and educational associations, as well as military recruiters, business and religious leaders have added their voice to those calling for passage of the bill. The DREAM Act is even part of the Department of Defense's 2010-2012 Strategic Plan to assist the military in its recruiting efforts."

Current Senate Majority Leader Henry Reid (D-NV) and Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi are advocating for a vote on the Dream Act this year. Their goal is to pass the act while the Democrats still have control of the House.

For more information on the Dream Act, click here. We encourage you to contact your Congressional offices to voice your support for the DREAM Act. To find contact information for your Congressional representatives, click here.