Democrats launch national effort to help Dream Act kids stay legally in US

This national effort is warning immigrants about scams, trying to educate them about who is eligible and pleading with them to accept the help that is there for them.    - - Donna Poisl

By Mike Lillis
   
Democrats in both chambers have launched a national effort to enroll young illegal immigrants in a new program letting them stay in the country without threat of deportation.

With the Obama administration's "deferred action" program set to take effect Aug. 15, the Democrats are organizing outreach programs nationwide to help potential beneficiaries navigate applications, understand fees and avoid expensive scams.

"We suspect that most of the 1 million eligible [people] will not need a lawyer," Rep. Luis Gutierrez (D-Ill.), Congress's most vocal immigrant-rights advocate, said Thursday during a press briefing at the Capitol. "If you see a lawyer, and they're calling you, and they're offering you something and they're asking you to write a check, run away!"
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