The DREAM Act Solving Mexican Immigrant Employment

Pragati J.

Abstract: Employment opportunities continue to be limited for Mexican immigrants. This paper analyzes the responsibility of the government to provide for Mexican immigrants coming into the U.S., concluding that the government has yet to enforce effective action. Considering that wages are inadequate for the limited employment Mexican Immigrants receive, employers should be held more accountable. It is shown that the underlying cause for inadequate employment opportunities stems from a lack of credentials from higher education. This paper highlights that passing and enforcing the DREAM Act is the most effective solution, as it allows for Mexican Immigrants to pay for higher education allowing them the credentials to appeal to employers. In addition, the DREAM Act allows immigrants to be eligible for legal residence, amplifying their appeal to employers. This paper further analyzes why the DREAM Act is effective because of its success in the House of Representatives and its open opportunities for young immigrants. 

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Summary: Eligibility to quality employment continues to be a struggle for Mexican immigrants. With immigration on the rise, more Mexican immigrants come into the U.S. seeking new opportunities to provide for themselves and their families. However, with little to no money, these Mexican immigrants are unable to build the resources they need for employment. Passing and enforcing the DREAM Act will open more employment opportunities for Mexican immigrants. 

As Mexican immigrants come into the U.S. they fall under the responsibility of the United States government. Experts have concluded that the government must enforce more action to aid Mexican immigrants specifically in the area of employment. Past action conducted by the U.S. government has reduced instead of improved employment opportunities. Especially since many undocumented immigrants are excluded from government assistance programs, it becomes urgent for the government to formulate effective action. 

The limited employment opportunities which Mexican immigrants are eligible for, usually do not pay what that job is worth. Many Mexican immigrants looking for employment, are desperate and will work even if the pay is low. This is shocking, considering their immense contribution to the economy. 

One of the main contributors to the lack of employment opportunities for Mexican immigrants is the employers. These employers often hold high standards which immigrants lack the qualifications to meet. Employers will also avoid hiring undocumented Mexican immigrants, in fear of getting in trouble with the law. 

The DREAM Act allows Mexican immigrants the ability to pay for higher education and revive credentials that appeal to employers when hiring. The DREAM Act also provides temporary and permanent residence, allowing immigrants legal status. This bipartisan legislation has been passed in the House of Representatives but has yet to pass in the Senate.

The main barrier to Mexican immigrants attending high education is the cost. With the DREAM Act, states can give immigrants the price of in-state tuition. Without the DREAM Act, states would face a penalty for providing in-state tuition to immigrants.

Many of the Mexican immigrants that come into the U.S. do so at a young age. When they arrived they take on the status of their parents, which is generally ‘undocumented’ denying them the opportunities available in the United States. The DREAM Act provides young immigrants with legal status. 

The DREAM Act provides Mexican immigrants the qualifications they need to be successful in the United States and should therefore be passed and enforced.