*"Jumbler" is a new term more directly describing the age-group between the open-ended “young adult” and the broad “adults”. A jumbler is an intellectually sound and aware 17-27 year old with opinions and genuine concern or interest in the world around him/her as well as the issues affecting its communities.

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Saturday, June 08, 2013

Keeping the DREAM Alive


- Shamira Azlan

Like most immigration reform acts, the DREAM (Development, Relief, and Education for Alien Minors) Act remains a controversial legislation. The bill essentially would create a path to citizenship for the undocumented youth residing in the United States. This would allow these youth- who may have been brought here as children- attend college in the United States. The DREAM Act is in no way comprehensive, but it does provide a stepping stone for future immigration reform.


What is stopping the bill from being passed in Congress? There are a multitude of reasons, but the root of the negative criticism is simply ignorance. People are naturally defensive against new ideas and changes they don't understand or can't relate to, and most don't understand the need for immigration reform. These people's opinions are in no way invalidated, it is just going to take skillful advocates to guide the population on the path of empathizing for the undocumented youth. Empathy and general care for the people in your community can go a long way. If hearing the gut-wrenching stories of struggling youth doesn't convince the masses (and sometimes it doesn't), the projected economic growth which will occur if the DREAM Act is put into action should. The bill will help the undocumented youth further their education and thus promote innovation and creativity. In some cases, it can also lead to educated youths serving in the military.


The negative criticisms that the DREAM Act has received are in no way unique. They have been used to oppose immigration reform throughout the world. The arguments against this specific immigration reform bill include opportunities for current American students being taken away, unfair monetary benefits, and opposition to the DREAM Act providing amnesty. Advocates for the DREAM Act work to... continue reading 

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