The DREAM Act is still alive

    Despite the fact that the DREAM act did not pass last year, to become a federal law that would allow undocumented students to attend college and become law abiding citizens of this country, the DREAM keeps living.

    Shortly after the DREAM act fell through in 2010, President Obama recognized the need to keep fighting for it, saying: "Today, there are hundreds of thousands of students excelling in our schools who are not American citizens. Some are the children of undocumented workers, who had nothing to do with the actions of their parents. They grew up as Americans and pledge allegiance to our flag, and yet live every day with the threat of deportation."

    It can be very easy to lose hope after a lost battle, but the reality of our community urges us to not give up. There is plenty of energy out there to feed off of. Youth groups across the country continue to fight for what they believe through their campaigns “Undocumented, Unafraid”. This is not the time to give up, but one to keep fighting.

    A life worth living is one that you are really passionate about, and if that passion for you is to have the opportunity that the DREAM act represents, or if your passion is to see this initiative passed for the benefit of people you love, by all means, keep fighting.

    Currently, in light of the fact that this initiative did not pass at the federal level last year, states are taking the initiative to pass the DREAM act at the local level. States like California, New York, Illinois and Maryland, are working to pass legislations that will benefit their local constituents, but these initiatives have still to be enacted into law.

    I invite you to try to get involved and show your support. It is in the benefit of all our young people and in the benefit of our whole community.

    As President Obama has asked, "stop expelling talented, responsible young people who can staff our research labs, start new businesses, and further enrich this nation." Now, we should continue to do our part to keep our DREAMs alive.

    If you need information about the DREAM act, please join other young people in the fight for fairness and justice. Here is a site that you can visit to learn more about this important initiative: http://dreamact.info/

    Keep DREAMing and continue the fight for what you believe in. Reaching your goals and realizing your potential and the potential of those around you is a life worth fighting for!