Support the DREAM Act 2009

The "Development, Relief, and Education for Alien Minors Act of 2009" or the DREAM Act of 2009, a bill reintroduced this year by Sen. Richard Durbin (D-IL), amends the Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act of 1996. The bill, if passed, would allow states to grant residency status to undocumented students who wish to further their education in a collegiate institute.


"This legislation has the potential to change the lives of many young people in an extraordinary and positive way and is an investment in America's future," Sen. Patrick Leahy said in a senatorial floor speech.


The DREAM Act was proposed to many sessions of congress in the past; the bill died in some cases and it was voted down on others. In 2007, it was voted down with 54 votes in favor, 44 against, and 4 not voting. At least 3/5 of the senate votes were required.

The DREAM Act calls for the removal of a deportation order on any undocumented student and the granting of a permanent resident status. Applicants must have entered the United States before their 16 birthday, lived in the country for at least five years and be under the age of 35 at the time of the bill's enactment. In order to qualify, applicants must have obtained a high school diploma or be accepted into college or university. 

National law does not ban undocumented students from attending a college/university, but these students face problems during the admissions and financial aid process. For all the students, their situation is not something they chose. Brought to this country by their parents, they do not have any control over their immigration status. Many undocumented students do not identify with their native country anymore, they speak fluent english and have fully intergrated into the American culture.

The DREAM Act has spurred a wave of unity and activism by undocumented students. These students have organized events to protest and support the legislation. Undocumented students developed websites like DREAMActivist.org and DREAMAct2009.com to raise awareness, funds, and signatures for the DREAM Act 2009 petition. The DREAMActivist.org website is run completely by undocumented students.

The websites gather stories from other students who visit the website and compile them to demonstrate that the students' circumstances are not their fault.

For more information, visit the DREAM Act links to get involved.