The DREAM Act- An Update

What is the US's role in the scope
of the whole world?

The Dream Act has been a subject of debate for a long time. What started out as a series of legislation discussed statewide and in National Congress ten years ago to give rights and citizenship to undocumented individuals has become a large group that hopes to expand its goals for the future.

In this week's Huffington Post, an article discussed how the group of 'illegal' immigrants now goes by a platform called 'United We Dream'. They hope that in the future, there will be "comprehensive immigration reform that would help the entire undocumented population, not just those who came to the United States as children," (Foley). The group states that they have been subject to extensive racial profiling and have had to jump through numerous, dangerous and expensive hoops to be considered for citizenship. The perspective legislation would also allow non-American born people to apply for a driver's license, access to health care, safe working conditions and equal protection under the law.

If the United States writes or even passes laws like this, they will be subject to a larger influx of people and the issues that come with them. However, I think the DREAM Act and associated legislation is a positive example of strengthening the economy and culture with new people and fresh ideas. In the same article, 'United We Dream' managing director Cristina Jimenez said that no matter what the United States government decides to do, they are going to have to accept the fact that Latinos are a growing majority in America, and political parties should not be taking this fact lightly. Any fluff legislation, like self-deportation or piecemeal immigration, are not part of the solution. The United States will have to take a bold stance either way and not try an interim solution that may be backless.

How do you think the United States should approach this issue? How does their decision impact the entire world?