The DREAM Act (Development, Relief, and Education for Alien Minors)/Student Adjustment Act was first introduced in 2003 under the 107th Congress.  However, it has been held within a House or Senate committee until recently.  Both bills would repeal the federal provision and allow immigration relief to undocumented immigrants who:

• have good moral character
• came to the U.S. at age 15 or younger at least 5 years before the date of the bill's enactment
• qualify for conditional permanent resident status upon acceptance to college, graduation from a U.S. High School, or being awarded a GED

Many states have allowed undocumented college-bound students to receive in-state tuition benefits.  Often in order for an undocumented student to receive tuition benefits, they must have graduated from an in-state high school, have been in the state for a certain amount of years, and they must sign an affidavit declaring that they are seeking citizenship.

Download a factsheet on the DREAM Act Factsheet to learn more.

Also, check out this recent report by a University of California, Ph. D candidate: Wasted Talent and Broken Dreams: The Lost Potential of Undocumented Students.

For more information contact
Angela Peoples
Legislative Director
(202) 640-6570
leg@usstudents.org