Whether the DREAM Act becomes law will be decided within the next week (or so). The vote is going to be close. Senator Reid (D-NV) filed a new version of the DREAM Act (S. 3992) in hopes of increasing the likelihood that the Act will pass. The new version of the DREAM Act is more restrictive than the original. Here are the major changes that have been made concerning eligibility under the DREAM Act:
- The Cut Off Age Will Be 30 years old at the time the legislation is enacted.
- Individuals will be ineligible if they have been convicted of certain criminal convictions, including offenses punishable by one or more years in prison or 3 misdemeanors.
- Requires evidence that applicants have paid all past taxes.
- Requires good moral character from the date of entrance into the United States.
- Excludes those who participated in persecution.
- Requires applicants to meet English language and civics requirements typically required for naturalization.
- Expands the circumstances where disclosure of confidential information about DREAM applicants is required for homeland security or national security purposes.
Additionally, the new language requires that beneficiaries have conditional permanent residency for ten years, and then wait an additional three years before being able to apply for naturalization.
If you believe you are eligible to benefit from the Dream Act, please contact Gafner Law Firm and you will be notified if, and when, the DREAM Act is approved.