When it came to a procedural vote last week on the DREAM Act, Sen. Corker joined the obstructionists. He said later, however, that he supports the goals and structure of the act, but that he wants to see it adopted as part of a comprehensive immigration bill rather as an another independent piece.
The problem with that approach is that there is no politically acceptable, comprehensive immigration plan on the horizon, nor is there likely to be until after the 2012 elections, if then. In the meantime, many thousands more young people, who have been raised as Americans, will be stuck in an cruel and unyielding dilemma.
The DREAM Act would allow children brought to this country without documentation when they were under 16, though technically illegal immigrants, to enter college or the U.S. military if they had lived in America for at least five years by the date of passage of the act. With that upfront deadline, it would not apply to minor children brought here in future years, nor would it spur more illegal immigration.
It would apply only to that category of immigrants who were already here for a minimum of five when the act passes, who have no criminal record, and who meet other qualifying standards.
Their admission to college or the military, moreover, would be made only in accord with state laws and regular recruiting standards, respectively. Those who pursued college would not be entitled to federal grants, only loans, and they would be allowed entrance only under state standards.