Recently, the Highline School Board passed a resolution in support of the DREAM Act. We would like to explain why the school board supports this bill.

The DREAM Act is a proposed federal law that would grant temporary legal status to undocumented students after they graduate from high school if they are of good moral character and have no criminal record and if they attend college or join the U.S. military. After finishing college or military service, the student may apply for legal citizenship. The DREAM Act would apply only to children who were brought to the U.S. under the age of 16.

Public schools are obligated by law to enroll all students regardless of their legal status and to ensure they pass the WASL and graduate. But what motivation do students have to do well in school if they have no hope of attending college or getting a job after graduation? Without this hope, many find no purpose in school and drop out. They are more likely to become a burden on our communities than an asset. Additionally, our schools are penalized as the dropout rate increases. This penalty can result in loss of funding for the schools.

The DREAM Act gives students an incentive to study, work hard in school and graduate because it holds out the possibility of higher education, a good job and, ultimately, citizenship.

The DREAM Act does not grant citizenship to students-only temporary legal status. It does not pay for their college education or grant citizenship to their parents or families.

What it does is provide a way for high achieving students who have been educated in American schools to ultimately become citizens and productive members of our society. And it allows the U.S. to benefit from the work and intellectual capital these young people have to offer.

Matthew M. Pina, president

Julie Burr Spani, vice president

Phyllis Byers, board member

Susan Goding, board member

Tom Slattery, board member