IMMIGRANTS CAN EMBRACE HUGE OPPORTUNITIES IN UPCOMING DREAM ACT

Posted by Phoenix Immigration Attorney Nick Alcock:

Those long-awaited work permits that young illegal immigrants can begin applying for are just around the corner. That’s right, beginning next Wednesday so many of the young people previously limited to jobs that do not require proof of citizenship or a work permit will finally be eligible for a taste of what they’ve wanted all along…..a fair chance. These are hard-working folks often limited to service-type jobs that pay cash, either in wages or tips, such as working as restaurant staff members, landscapers, home cleaners, baby sitters or even dog walkers to name a few. The new government policy will allow American employers to delve into that untapped generation of educated, hard-working individuals who for the most part have been confined to such low-income jobs. This makes it easier for owners of small businesses to comply with laws requiring them to check the legal status of employees.

The policy will hopefully provide a large degree of relief for a percentage of the estimated 11.5 million illegal immigrants in the United States, allowing them to finally showcase their talents and determined work ethics. Many have the necessary training to work in fields like mechanical engineering, health care, education and law. This new policy could now allow them to apply for jobs closer to their career aspirations, as well as motivate high school dropouts to rejoin the mainstream. Having a work permit could also help unauthorized immigrants whose dreams of college are thwarted because they cannot afford to pay tuition with the low-income jobs that they can get now. Even if they were accepted to college, they were ineligible for work-study jobs, paid internships or clinical training programs typically built into degree programs. They are not eligible for in-state tuition at state universities. Laws also block them from federal grants and loans for college.

There are other important components to the DREAM Act. Because work permits will also serve as proof of legal residence, young immigrants will be allowed to get driver’s licenses, an immediate benefit because they can look for jobs in places where public transportation is not available. They can also get Social Security numbers.

If you have any questions about the DREAM Act and would like to speak directly with a highly skilled immigration attorney who is ready to help you get started with the process, please call Alcock & Associates today at 602-989-5000.