By Annie Fehrenbacher
Members of the Senate and House began deliberations Nov. 29 on the Development, Relief and Education for Alien Minors Act.
The DREAM Act is a bill that would provide a pathway to citizenship for undocumented youth who complete two years of college or military service. If the DREAM Act passes, more than 25,000 undocumented students in California ““ including more than 300 at UCLA ““ could be in line for the dream jobs that currently elude them.
On Oct. 2, 2010, Univision hosted the first-ever Spanish-language gubernatorial debate with California candidates Jerry Brown (D) and Meg Whitman ®. This event signified the growing political importance of Latino voters and the need to reach out to immigrant communities to determine the future of the state.
Not surprisingly, immigration issues dominated the debate, and one young woman gave viewers a glimpse into the complex lives of students who would be affected by the DREAM Act.
An undocumented student from Cal State University, Fresno provided her story of academic success amid struggle, graduating valedictorian of her high school class and going on to triple major in college.
This woman shared her dream of using her education to contribute to the economy of California, the only state she has ever known. Instead, she is barred from employment because of her immigration status. She asked the candidates if they would support legislation allowing students like her to make use of their college degrees by gaining residency in the United States.
Like the young woman in Fresno, many of my UCLA classmates have spoken out about the futility of obtaining a degree they will not be able to use without legal status. As a result, they have displayed incredible bravery by “coming out” as undocumented to push for the DREAM Act.
I am proud to be at an institution that stands beside these student activists in their struggle for autonomy. On Nov. 30, Chancellor Gene Block expressed his public support for the DREAM Act and called on the UCLA community to urge our legislators to do the same.
After all, undocumented students won’t be the only beneficiaries of this crucial piece of legislation. A recent study by Raúl Hinojosa-Ojeda, associate professor iof Chicana/o studies, concludes that the income generated by those legalized under the DREAM Act could reach $1.4 to $3.6 trillion over a 40-year earning period. In a time of economic crisis, we need all hardworking youth filling positions commensurate with their qualifications. Our country cannot afford to have so many talented minds banished to low-wage, unskilled jobs.
In addition to the economic benefit that will be garnered from passing the DREAM Act, our nation will also show its commitment to justice and equality by embracing these young immigrants. Those who would benefit from the DREAM Act were children when they came to this country and had no say in their families’ decisions to move. They are not invaders. They are not criminals. They are not stealing jobs.
On the contrary, they are working hard to follow the rules even though they are treated as outsiders in the country they call home. It is time we stop punishing these young people for something they had no control over and treat them with the dignity and respect they deserve.
Now, it is only a matter of time before the DREAM Act comes for a vote. Please stand with your undocumented classmates by calling your representatives. Pick up the phone and call 1-866-587-3023. Together we can make the dream a reality.
Fehrenbacher is a graduate student in Community Health Sciences.