DREAM Act Could Add $329 Billion To U.S. Economy

[WilmywoodNCparalegal]

5. I'm all for the DREAM Act BUT...

it currently takes family-sponsored immigrants up to 14 years to get a green card to the U.S. It currently takes employment-sponsored immigrants - who may already be in the U.S. in a non-immigrant visa status such as the O, L, E, H, P, etc. - over 6-7 years to get a green card.

This is after paying thousands of dollars in filing fees and countless more in legal fees, not to mention dealing with the bureaucracy of form after form after form and the documentation requirements, certified translations, degree evaluations and the like, in addition to background checks, police clearances, etc. at the person's expense.

Before we think about the DREAM Act, we must do something to alleviate the bureaucracy and waiting times for those who follow the laws on the books and go through all the hoops in order to be eligible for a green card and - later, perhaps - U.S. naturalization. Most of the employer-sponsored beneficiaries are already living and working in the U.S., paying taxes, buying homes, sending their kids to school, etc. These people generally have higher incomes than most as most of these beneficiaries tend to work in professions that are highly paid.

I'm not saying the DREAM Act isn't good or solid - which it is. I'm saying that we need to fix the system for those who are following the numerous rules and stand in line waiting for their turn.