PVCC Puma Press: April 2006

The U.S. Senate again debates reforming a faulty national immigration policy with the Development, Relief, and Education for Alien Minors Act (DREAM Act). This act seeks to remedy an injustice for a small segment of the illegal immigration population.

Every year thousands of graduating high school students encounter barriers to continuing their education, joining the U.S. workforce and entering the military because of their legal status. They are prevented from these rites of adulthood by the very real fear of deportation.

In many cases, these students have grown up in American communities from early childhood. They have attended K–12 schools with American children and are working toward the same goals.

These young people are trapped in a technicality. On the one hand their birth certificate declares them foreigners. On the other, they have assimilated into the American culture from such a young age that they would be foreigners in their country of origin.

Marie Nazareth Gonzalez, 21, is a political science and international business junior at Westminster College, Fulton, Missouri. On May 18, 2007, she addressed a U.S. House Judiciary subcommittee on Immigration, Citizenship, Refugees, Border Security and International Law. In her written address, she humanized the plight of thousands of young adults who seek the relief the DREAM Act legislation will provide.

Marie’s story begins in 1991 when her parents, Marvin and Marina, came to America from Costa Rica. They settled in Jefferson City, a typical American community, and became respected and productive members.

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	They are kept from the rites of adulthood by the very real fear of deportation
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Marie writes in her congressional testimony, “Strong values and good morals have been instilled in me from a very young age. As long as I can remember my parents have worked very hard for every dollar they’ve earned, and in the process have taught me that life is not easy and that I must work hard and honorably for what I want in life.”

However, in April 2002, immigration authorities began deportation hearings against the Gonzalez family. The community of Jefferson City rallied behind the family, insisting they remain in the U.S.

Since then, Marie graduated from high school and began her studies at Westminster College. In July 2005, Marvin and Marina Gonzalez were deported, and Marie was given a one-year reprieve that has been extended twice. Last June, Marie was given her final extension and told she must leave the United States without finishing her degree.

Although current immigration policies have no method for dealing fairly with these students, the DREAM Act will rectify this injustice. The DREAM Act will apply to youth who entered the United States at least five years ago and were not older than 15 years. The act also requires the beneficiary to demonstrate good moral character.

After high school, undocumented students can apply under the DREAM Act for a six-year conditional status of legal residency. This status legitimizes the student and removes barriers to gainful employment, obtaining a driver’s license and admission into college or the military.

During the six-year period, DREAM Act students must obtain a degree from a two-year or four-year college or serve two years in the military. These students must continue to demonstrate good moral character. If these young adults meet these requirements, they will receive permanent residence status for themselves and may pursue U.S. citizenship.