June 29 -- The Congressional Research Service (CRS) released a report about Dream Act Legislation in the 111th Congress that provided a comprehensive overview of recent proposed legislation and the impact of current immigration laws on undocumented individuals. The DREAM Act refers to variations on legislation proposed over the past few years that would allow undocumented students, brought to the U.S. as children by their parents, to obtain legal immigration status.   This current effort in support of undocumented students who were brought to the United States as children by their parents, as opposed proposals benefiting the greater undocumented population, has enjoyed relatively broad-based Congressional support.

The Report discusses the various Dream Act bills introduced during the 111th Congress.  All had requirements for length of presence in the U.S.  as well as age restrictions. While some proposed legislation provided for a direct path to permanent residence, others required obtaining a conditional nonimmigrant status first.   While most required completion of high school and enrollment in post-secondary education or U.S. military service, at least one required military service for all eligible applicants.   Some also required fee penalties.   All would require extensive background checks.

The Report concluded that future movement for the passage of the DREAM Act will likely arise in the 112th Congress. The passage of any Dream Act legislation, however, remains uncertain.