GREEN CARD SOLDIERS

heiderose1

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Wednesday September 26, 2007 · 1:55 PM PDT

2007/09/26 · 13:55

Two years ago I wrote and helped pass a resolution for the North Carolina Democratic Party that supported repealing section 505 of the IIRIRA Act of 1996 and urged the passage of the DREAM Act. Short for the Development, Relief and Education for Alien Minors Act, the DREAM bill would give young undocumented immigrants legal status if they have graduated from high school and lived in the U.S. for five consecutive years. Students in good standing could obtain a temporary permit if they complete at least two years in college or the military. After six years, those who meet the conditions could obtain legal permanent resident status. Another provision of the DREAM Act at that time gave undocumented immigrants in-state tuition status.

I fully supported the DREAM Act then. Now, I am conflicted and I’m no longer sure that it will be such a great opportunity for undocumented immigrant youth if it passes. It may be better for them to live in the shadows a few years longer – at least they would be alive when real immigration reform is possible again.

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