Martinez column: DREAM Act can educate immigrants

A very sensible opinion on the DREAM Act. DP

By Lionel Martinez

bakersfield.com: Should a child be punished because the parents broke the law?

Just asking the question sounds ridiculous, and most of us would be justifiably livid if such a policy were enacted. Yet that's exactly what's happening to about 65,000 teenagers nationwide because they are illegal immigrants and, therefore, don't qualify for the college aid that may be their only hope for earning a degree.

That's why I was one of about 60 people who attended a rally at east Bakersfield's Heritage Park on Independence Day in support of the DREAM Act, or "Development, Relief and Education for Alien Minors Act." The legislation would allow high-school graduates who are illegal immigrants to become temporary legal residents -- qualifying for in-state tuition and financial aid -- if they go to college or join the armed forces.

The event was part of a statewide effort that had student activists and their supporters engaging in a water-only fast in support of the legislation, according to news reports. It's a bill worth passing.

Let me anticipate your argument. These students are here illegally, so the only government help they deserve is a free ride back across the border, right?

I'll ignore that cruel remark and ask you to consider this: These kids didn't choose to cross the border. Their only sin was staying with their parents. Most are from poor families -- that's why they came here -- assimilated, learned English and toughed it out through high school.

In other words, they are model immigrants.

Yet despite all their hard work, they may not have access to one thing that's almost certain to transform their lives and help them make a greater contribution to society: a college education.

Kern County Republican Party Executive Director Jack Duncan told The Californian the GOP won't support any immigration reform until the borders are secure, but what exactly is a secure border? Without specific criteria, it sounds like the phrase is just a tactic to postpone sensible legislation like the DREAM Act indefinitely.

The act was actually part of the major immigration reform package that died in the Senate weeks ago, but supporters have mounted a new effort to pass the bill on its own.

Some will also argue that passage of the legislation could result in thousands of undeserving immigrants bilking taxpayers, but the requirements would be strict. According to The Californian, students could qualify for the DREAM Act only if:

* They were brought to the United States more than five years ago.

* They were 15 years old or younger when they arrived.

* They have demonstrated good moral character.

* They graduated from high school or earned a GED.

Should a child be punished because the parents broke the law? I hope that's not the kind of society we live in. Unfortunately, tens of thousands of college-age students are being unjustifiably punished right now. Passing the DREAM Act will help put an end to that.

Ultimately, this issue is about whether everyone who works hard and stays out of trouble deserves a shot at a better life in this country.

And if giving youngsters that opportunity is not a major part of the American story, what is?
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Leonel Martinez's column appears every other Thursday.