The Essential Fairness of DREAM Act Legislation

Here’s The Washington Post on why Marylanders anger at their state’s DREAM Act is wrongheaded:

The concerns about Maryland’s Dream Act are understandable; they’re also misplaced. They fail to recognize that the law is overwhelmingly in the state’s interest. Implement it, and thousands of ambitious, promising youngsters who have grown up in Maryland will have a chance to realize their potential as productive, taxpaying members of society. Repeal it, and those same youngsters will swell the ranks of the underclass, paying less in taxes, consuming more in services and living lives soured by the frustration of unrealized potential.

Indeed.

In no other area of public policy do we punish children for acts committed by their parents. Why would we do that here?

We are talking about children who grew up here and did all the things that we expect children to do – follow the rules, get good grades, and contribute to their communities. Now we must hold up our end of the bargain and ensure that the American Dream is within reach for them.