DREAM Act will benefit nation

Illegal immigration is a serious issue. The United States must always protect its borders and enforce its immigration laws. The consequence of illegal entry or overstaying a visa should be deportation. Illegal immigrants who have eluded authorities should not be rewarded with blanket amnesty. At the same time, America's immigration policy must also be sufficiently flexible so that basic vigilance against illegal immigration does not undermine other national interests. That is why I have introduced the Development, Relief and Education for Alien Minors Act. The DREAM Act passed through the Judiciary Committee with a bipartisan overwhelming margin of 16 votes to 3.

Thousands of children of undocumented immigrants have graduated from our high schools. Most came to America as small children, playing no part in the decision to enter and may not even know they are here illegally. They are loyal to our country, and many grow up to become honest and hard-working young adults, striving for academic and professional excellence. It is a mistake to lump these children with adults who knowingly crossed our borders illegally. Instead, the better policy is to view them as a valuable resource for our nation's future.

The DREAM Act does not guarantee any illegal immigrant the right to remain in the United States. Rather than writing them off, it does give these young people the privilege of earning the right to remain. The bill provides a six-year conditional residence period for those who entered the country as children, have been here continuously for at least five years, stayed away from crime and earned at least a high school degree.

During that six-year period, these individuals can earn the right to stay permanently by serving in our military, obtaining an associate's degree or trade school diploma, or completing two years in a bachelor's or graduate program. Because of the residency and age requirements, there is no incentive to illegally enter the United States in the future. Moreover, these rigorous standards result not in citizenship, but only in permanent residency status that may one day result in eligibility to apply for citizenship.