Advice for Undocumented Students on the DREAM Act

Last week I participated at the annual conference of the National Association of Hispanic Journalists. After my presentation, I met two journalism students who are undocumented and eager to get out of the immigration limbo they are in. It saddened me that I could not help them now and made me think about how these individuals can advocate for comprehensive immigration reform.

Recently we have seen some undocumented students come out of the shadows and take action - participating in marches, going on hunger strikes or showing up at legislators' offices asking them to support "the DREAM Act" - the bill that would give legal status to young people who came to the U.S. when they were 15 or younger and want to go to college.

It is admirable that they are fighting for their convictions, but they should be careful about advocating for immigration reform or passage of the "DREAM Act."

Before putting yourself at risk of arrest and possible deportation, I recommend that you write to and call your federal representatives. It is important that they be inundated with letters and calls from you, from permanent residents and U.S. citizens, asking them to act on behalf of the approximately 65,000 undocumented students who graduate from high school each year in the United States.

When writing a letter or making a phone call, it is important to be polite, identify the legislation for which you are communicating with your representative and explain why you believe it is necessary.

If you decide to visit your federal representative's office, plan your visit carefully, make an appointment, be punctual, courteous and patient. It is important to be prepared to provide information to support your point of view.

It is not yet known when immigration reform will be implemented, but when that time comes, make sure you do not do anything to jeopardize the possibility of adjustment of status.

Finally, I recommend that you consult with an immigration attorney who can evaluate your case further and determine if there may be a legal option that can help you get a path to be in the United States legally.