Dream of residency remains alive for immigrant students

A FRESH approach by Senate leaders ought to lead to passage of a measure allowing conditional permanent residency for people who were brought to the United States illegally as children.

The House passed the Development, Relief and Education for Alien Minors Act — also called the Dream Act — Wednesday. Expectations of swift action in the Senate were rebuffed by Republican filibustering. Senate Democrats were forced to switch tactics and delay the vote.

But the measure remains alive.

President Obama has promised to sign the measure when it reaches his desk. It would permit students who come to the United States before the age of 16 to gain conditional permanent residency if they attend college or serve in the military.

A pathway to citizenship would be created for thousands of undocumented immigrant students who want to live the American dream by graduating from high school, attending college and obtaining legal status.

These students have done nothing wrong. Many were brought to this country at a young age by their parents. They have played by the rules and worked hard.

The 65,000 undocumented immigrant students who graduate from U.S. high schools each year include class valedictorians, straight-A students and determined young people committed to improving our communities.

Yet, their immigration status bars them from opportunities to better themselves. There is not an economic or moral rationale for being against this measure. Are we saying there is not room in America for talented, hardworking young people?

Since 2003, when Washington law changed to allow students without legal status to pay in-state tuition, more than 2,000 such students have enrolled at the state's colleges and universities.

We should not waste our investment or the potential of these young people.