Pass the DREAM Act

The last thing the United States needs is to create a permanent underclass consisting of the children of illegal immigrants, with no chance to assimilate or get ahead regardless of ability.

One result might be an increase in resentment and crime. But the bigger tragedy would be that the United States would squander the talents and contributions of many bright and gifted young people.

That's why the DREAM Act, which has languished in Congress for much of a decade but which could come up for a vote in the Senate next week, ought to become law.

As with so much else in Washington, this legislation has been whip-sawed by political cross-currents. Sen. Orrin Hatch originally introduced the act in 2001. He has since withdrawn his sponsorship with little comment. There may be political reasons for this change of heart; still, it is regrettable.

The DREAM Act would allow children of illegal immigrants, who were not born on U.S. soil, to legally attend college under certain conditions. They would have to document that they arrived in this country before the age of 16, have lived here five consecutive years and that they are of good moral character. If they commit any crimes, they would become ineligible. They also must have graduated from high school and have qualified for college admission.

Once accepted under the act, these students would have six years in which to either obtain a degree from a two-year college, complete two years toward a four-year degree or serve two years in the U.S. military. If they meet these criteria, they would be eligible to apply for a permanent resident status. They would not be eligible during this time for a Pell grant, but they could obtain students loans.

The United States has much to gain from allowing such people, whose illegal status is no fault of their own, to succeed and thrive. Critics often complain about illegal immigrants supposedly draining taxpayers services. This would be an opportunity for the children of these immigrants to contribute far more to society than what may have been taken.

The DREAM Act would not encourage illegal behavior. Its rules are far too strict and require too many years of residency to act as any reasonable incentive. It would not provide preferential treatment to illegal immigrants. The students would be subject to the same tuition and admission requirements as anyone else. Individual states would have to decide whether they should pay out-of-state tuition rates at public universities.

What it would do is provide a way for children who, in many cases, are as immersed in American culture as the children of citizens, to contribute, succeed and thrive.