The DREAM Act

 The DREAM Act (Development, Relief, and Education for Alien Minors Act) is bipartisan legislation that would provide legal status for undocumented immigrant youth who have exhibited good moral character and who complete two years of higher education or service in the U.S. military.

There are more than two million undocumented immigrant youth and students throughout the country, including large numbers of Asian Pacific American youth.  Each year approximately 65,000 undocumented immigrant students graduate from U.S. high schools with few prospects to become productive members of our society.  These young people had no control over the decision to immigrate to this country, and for many, this is the only country they have ever known.

Due to the broken immigration system, there is no opportunity for the majority of these young people to obtain legal status.  Unless there is a change in immigration law, these young people will forever be relegated to a life in the underground economy.

APALA calls up on our members, leaders, chapters and allies to reach out to members of Congress to encourage them to support passage of the DREAM Act.  APALA also encourages its members and allies to reach out to undocumented immigrant students in their communities to offer support and assistance, and to work together to advance the DREAM Act campaign.