Compassionate legislation for immigrants, including undocumented, is not just a spiritual and moral imperative, but also an economic one. The DREAM act and other initiatives would benefit job growth and the economy while providing a way out of the “shadows” for millions of youth ready to benefit society.
Lev. 19: 33-34
“When an alien lives with you in your land, do not mistreat him. The alien living with you must be treated as one of your native-born. Love him as yourself, for you were aliens in egypt. I am the Lord your God.”
If illegal immigrants brought to the U.S. as children were given legal status, their improved access to college and better jobs would add $329 billion and 1.4 million jobs to the nation’s economy over two decades, according to a report set for release today.
The report found that up to 223,000 of the 2.1 million young illegal immigrants eligible for the DREAM Actwould have an easier time enrolling, paying for and finishing college, which would lead to the increased economic gains.
The study was released by the Center for American Progress, a Washington-based, left-leaning think tank that supports the DREAM Act, and the Partnership for a New American Economy, which was created by independent New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg and News Corp. CEO Rupert Murdoch. The center has pushed Congress to pass the DREAM Act and other bills that would grant more visas to foreign students that specialize in science, technology, engineering and mathematics.
“This report proves a fundamental truth about the contributions of immigrants to the American economy: we absolutely need them to continue our economic growth,” Bloomberg said in a statement.
The report provides an argument in favor of the DREAM Act, which would grant legal residency to illegal immigrants brought to the country as children who have completed some college or served in the military.
Read the full article here: http://usatoday30.usatoday.com/NEWS/usaedition/2012-10-01-DREAM-Act-would-boost-economy-study-says_ST_U.htm
