Dream Big; DREAM Act

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To many people the word immigration simply means "the passing or coming into a country for the purpose of permanent residence" (Definition). But to undocumented students, commonly referred as Dreamers, it signifies a meaning of fear, family separation, job loss, different language and loss of hope after graduation. These students go through elementary, middle and high schools doing what their parents tell them which is to "be the best, get straight A's, and work hard", however; at the end none of it matters because their legal status does not allow them to continue pursuing their education. How could it be that a child cannot pursue their educational goals if it can benefit society? These diverse students are capable to strengthen the military, improve the economy and become part of innovating America. The passage of the Development, Relief, and Education for Alien Minors (DREAM) Act is the opportunity undocumented students and America need to make a change. We now live in a dangerous world, where we need more protection than ever. America's national security depends on the military service the next generations are willing to serve. The foundation of a strong military is the young Americans who want to continue expanding the tradition of American military strength. However, "over 72 percent of 17- to 24-year-olds do not meet the basic educational, physical and moral standards required for service" (Shelton and Dalton). That is the reason why Daniel Gonzalez states "the military would need only a fraction of the undocumented immigrants made available by the DREAM Act to help offset shortages of qualified recruits" ("A Military Route to Citizenship"). To continue keeping the American people secure, America needs any highly qua... ... middle of paper ... ...atrina, Trinko. "Create jobs by bringing in immigrants." USA Today n.d.: Academic Search Complete. Web. 20 Nov.2011. Pezza, Elizabeth C. "Undocumented Students Living in the Shadows | UWIRE." UWIRE | Campus Media Network. 1 Apr. 2010. Web. 23 Nov. 2011. . Shelton, Hugh, and John H. Dalton. "Opinion: Strong Military Needs Early Education Focus - Gen. Hugh Shelton and John H. Dalton - POLITICO.com." Politics, Political News - POLITICO.com. 8 Jan. 2009. Web. 18 Nov. 2011. . "Transcript: Obama's State Of The Union Address : NPR." NPR : National Public Radio : News & Analysis, World, US, Music & Arts : NPR. 25 Jan. 2011. Web. 17 Nov. 2011. .

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