Dream Act Update

Senator Majority Leader Harry Reid is bringing the Dream Act up for vote in the Senate after thanksgiving. The Dream Act would provide a path to citizenship for individuals who were brought to the country as minors (under 16 years of age). They would have to prove good moral character and also either attend college or enlist in the U.S. military.

The Act was a bipartisan effort by Republicans and Democrats, but lost favor in early Fall of this year due to its attachment to the Defense Spending Bill and other earmarks, like the Don't Ask Don't Tell Military Policy (which prohibits LGBT individuals from disclosing their sexual orientation while in the military). Democrats (who have had a large Hispanic backing) decided to put forth the bill as a stand alone measure during the Lame Duck session of Congress, in hopes that it would be more likely to pass now than waiting for the new (and decidedly more conservative) congress to take their seats in January. Those in the "Dreamers" corner include: the Pentagon (new military recruits???) and also the U.S. Education Chief.

As always, SKBERRY Immigration is keeping an eye on the changes so that if the Act does pass, you can count on us to provide the immigration services you need.