To me, there are no official requirements to be an American. I believe that if you grew up in this country and have done positive things in your community, you can and should be considered an American. I love the United States of America. I have been here since I was a child. My English has long surpassed my Spanish as my language of choice... Yet, I cannot become an American. This is the Dilemma of thousands, perhaps millions, of young men and women in our country today.
We are the DREAMERS. We are students who cannot attend college or work because of a lack of legal status. Most of us were brought here at a very young age and do not remember much from our home countries. We are a diverse group, coming from every corner of the world, every nation and lands imaginable. We are talented and determined to succeed and contribute to the American society as a whole.
WE are young men and women who qualify for the DREAM ACT, which was introduced in congress in March, 2009. Though this is not the first time that the DREAM ACT has been introduced, (it has failed to pass several times before) it is believed that this time, there is a real chance for it to pass. What does that mean for people like me? That means that we can go to school, receive financial aid and get a job. We can live a normal life while educating ourselves and giving back to our communities.
Many Americans have the false belief that the DREAM ACT is some sort of Amnesty and will cover ALL undocumented young men and women. Fortunately, the DREAM ACT clearly states that in order to qualify, candidates must have graduated high school and be pursuing a college degree or military service while having a clean criminal record and be considered of "good moral character." This means that those who are not here to contribute will be left out and eventually taken out by tougher immigration laws that are to follow. Though there is great opposition towards the DREAM ACT, I believe this is our time.
This is my home.
This is now my culture.
This is now my way of life.
I am..... an American.
Sincerely,
DREAM Agent J.