Here is why every politician should support The Dream Act

[Jacob]

It certainly would have 7 years ago... this needs to pass now.

It won't. Besides, this looks more like the granting of millions of 10 year work permits than anything else.

[Commando]

It won't. Besides, this looks more like the granting of millions of 10 year work permits than anything else.

Mmm. I don't see your point.

[Jacob]

Mmm. I don't see your point.

I'm sure you don't agree with my point. But in case you missed it I'm saying that this act doesn't appear to be what has been described in this thread and by other proponents. Rather this is a bill that is a de facto amnesty for millions of illegal residents. Because it is an amnesty and not narrowly tailored to help people like some of your awesome clients, it wont pass. I hope.

[The_Tick]

I am a quid pro quo kinda guy...

If the kid was brought into the country without his knowledge, then he can sign up for the program.

But if the kids parents are still here illegally, then they are to be deported.

I am anti-Amnesty, and this is what this is. Same pig...new lipstick.

[byu71]

If people can get away with breaking the law for a certain period of time, no matter how they did it, I think they should be rewarded in some way.

[Commando]

I'm sure you don't agree with my point. But in case you missed it I'm saying that this act doesn't appear to be what has been described in this thread and by other proponents. Rather this is a bill that is a de facto amnesty for millions of illegal residents. Because it is an amnesty and not narrowly tailored to help people like some of your awesome clients, it wont pass. I hope.

Thanks for breaking down the bill into digestible pieces for me, immigration expert.

*oh I see-- you think employment authorization = amnesty. That's cute.

[Jacob]

Thanks for breaking down the bill into digestible pieces for me, immigration expert.

*oh I see-- you think employment authorization = amnesty. That's cute.

You're welcome.

You really don't think that granting a minimum 10-year work visa to anyone who applies for the program is some sort of amnesty? Strange.

[Commando]

You're welcome.

You really don't think that granting a minimum 10-year work visa to anyone who applies for the program is some sort of amnesty? Strange.

With all due respect, what's strange here is your insistence on arguing positions tooth and nail when you clearly don't have any sort of grasp of the relevant basic terminology. Have you been listening to A.M. radio again?

[Commando]

This act would apparently not benefit any of your (college educated) clients, unless they lied on their application.

Just read the basic info of the act on their web site. Yes it would.

[Uncle Ted]

I really like the part about serving in the military for two years to gain citizenship. If someone is willing to put their life on the line to serve this country well then they damn well deserve to be a citizen, IMHO.

As for education I wish the government would just put the $30B or so they spend on grants, loans and other forms of student aid into building more and expanding existing colleges (in other words, increase the supply) so more can afford a higher education instead of just those that are first in line with their hand out to the government or who have parents that have worked very hard for their kids can have a better life than they did. If we don't address the real reasons why tuition keeps rising faster than inflation instead of just trying to bridge the gap then someday it may not be just the British and California students facing huge increases in their tuition bills.

[KillerDog]

I really like two things:

1) massive inflow of immigrants to provide unskilled and skilled labor for purposes of economic growth;

2) the second class of citizens created by illegal immigration that operates in a black labor market and as such defeats the damaging effects of the minimum wage law.

It seems to me that the Dream Act will be an incentive for mexican immigrants to come here, legally or illegally, with their entire families and to integrate those families into our education system, society and culture. This act will expand our legal and illegal labor pool. I'm all for it.

[Jacob]

I really like two things:

1) massive inflow of immigrants to provide unskilled and skilled labor for purposes of economic growth;

You are the first non La Raza type that I've ever heard argue for massive unskilled immigration in addition to the current 20 million. Are you being serious?

Your post is kind of proves the point I was trying to make. I agree with your statement completely, though I oppose the act where you support it:

he Dream Act will be an incentive for mexican immigrants to come here, legally or illegally, with their entire families

And yet Commando derides me for saying that this looks like more of an amnesty than a targeted benefit to innocent residents who just want to go to college? I guess that's because I disagree with him.

[Commando]

And yet Commando derides me for saying that this looks like more of an amnesty than a targeted benefit to innocent residents who just want to go to college? I guess that's because I disagree with him.

I'm not deriding you, I'm shooting down your ignorant assertions. And it's not because you disagree with me-- it's mainly because you say falsehoods and generally don't know what you're talking about.

How is it an incentive for more illegals to come here if, to benefit, you must demonstrate continuous residence in the U.S. for 5 years before passage of the bill?

[Jacob]

I'm not deriding you, I'm shooting down your ignorant assertions. And it's not because you disagree with me-- it's mainly because you say falsehoods and generally don't know what you're talking about.

How is it an incentive for more illegals to come here if, to benefit, you must demonstrate continuous residence in the U.S. for 5 years before passage of the bill?

You don't need to demonstrate 5 years continuous residence, you just need to assert it. And there is no penalty for making a false assertion on the application. That's my understanding. Admittedly, I got that from Mickey Kaus and other sources. But I like him. He's an anit-illegal immigration democrat.

What are the ignorant and false assertions that I have made? I never claimed to be an expert. Just stating my opinion. Sorry it doesn't mesh with yours. you clearly have more bias or vested interest in this issue than I do

[RobinFinderson]

You know, Jacob, I'm not saying that a person's religion should dictate their political views, but this seems like such an ideal fit for Mormon religious values. Education, good work ethic, ambition, building strong families -- this law rewards all of these things. And without the law, these young people face the continual threat of deportation to a country they can't even remember. They are smart, hard-working kids who want to get an education and be in a position to support a family. This seems like the perfect fit for Christian compassion and politics.

As to your contention that the program is ripe for abuse, the kinks would get worked out fast enough. Your criticism holds true for all new policy. Betting on college-bound kids with a track record of achievement seems like an easy choice, and one that seems pretty naturally harmonious with the LDS religious culture.