The DREAM Act

Senators Lugar and Dick Durbin (D-IL) introduced the DREAM Act on March 26, 2009. This is the third Congress in which Senators Lugar and Durbin have introduced the legislation.

On August 9, 2010, University of Notre Dame President Rev. John I. Jenkins announced Notre Dame's support for the DREAM Act in a letter to Senator Lugar.

On June 3, 2010, Purdue University President France Córdova announced Purdue's support for the DREAM Act in a letter to Senator Lugar.

On May 26, 2010, Indiana University President Michael McRobbie announced IU's support for the DREAM Act in a letter to Senator Lugar.

The Development, Relief, and Education for Alien Minors (DREAM) Act would provide immigration relief to a select group of students and allow them to become permanent residents if they came to the United States as children (under the age of 16), are long-term U.S. residents (5 years or more), have good moral character, and attend an institution of higher learning or enlist in the military for at least two years. In addition, the legislation would allow states to grant in-state tuition rates to alien students. The DREAM Act would provide young people with an incentive to move towards permanent residency, while pursuing further education or serving our country in the U.S. Uniformed Services.

Senator Lugar supports this legislation because it encourages young immigrants to continue their education and earn a degree or serve our country in the uniformed services.  Current census figures indicate that Indiana is now home to more than 290,000 Hispanics. If enacted, the DREAM Act would allow undocumented college-bound immigrants to apply for a conditional legal status.

Approximately 50,000-70,000 undocumented students graduate from U.S. high schools each year; however, without legal status, it is difficult for them to attend college, acquire a job or join the military. Nationally, thirty percent of Hispanic students drop out of high school before graduation. As we increase vigilance at the borders and in the visa issue process, we can increase security here at home by identifying those immigrants who have been going to school.