I have a DREAM...

I will continue to follow campaign 2012 in my blog for the time being, and in particular I want to focus on “little known” issues in this year’s election.

When it comes to immigration, there is a lot of confusion about “illegal aliens.”  Many don’t know what that means or why there is a debate.  Shouldn’t they be sent back to the country where they came from if they are in the United States illegally?  Maybe, but maybe not.  When it comes to “illegal aliens” in the United States, here is where things get sticky…

In 2001, Sen. Richard Durbin (D-IL) and Sen. Orrin Hatch (R-UT) introduced a proposal known as the DREAM Act (Development, Relief, and Education for Alien Minors).  This bill applies to undocumented youth of “good moral character” who came to the United States as minors and have since graduated from a U.S. high school.  They would be able to complete two years of military service or two years of a four-year university to obtain temporary residency for six years, and then have the option to apply for permanent residency if they meet certain conditions (such as obtaining the degree).

So again, why does this matter?

Because of the brain drain.

The brain drain is when individuals with great skills and knowledge (especially in science, technology, engineering and math, or STEM, fields) emigrate.  In the United States, many international or undocumented students who study in the United States return to their country – taking their brain with them.  People who used to flock to the United States are now choosing to put down roots in China or India, for example.

Some argue that “illegals” who live in the United States are taking jobs away from hard-working Americans.  But this isn't always the case.  News commentator/comedian Stephen Colbert teamed up with the United Farm Workers “Take Our Jobs” campaign, which encouraged unemployed citizens to take farm labor jobs commonly held by illegal immigrants.  Only seven people took the positions.

On the opposite end of the spectrum, many companies are struggling to find high-skilled labor to fill their own job shortages.  Said Business Insider, “Unless there is an immediate and massive global effort to improve worker skills, there will be ‘far too few workers with the advanced skills needed to drive a high-productivity economy.’” 

So if no Americans are willing to step up to the plate, then should we simply have a labor shortage?

When it comes to undocumented residents, there is a lot of controversy.  And when it comes to the DREAM Act with respect to the upcoming election, The Washington Times reported that at Univision’s Latino forum, Obama said he will support the legislation and Romney said he will not.

What do you think? Should the DREAM Act be passed?  What are the big issues when it comes to immigration in the 2012 election?  Keep the conversation going in the comments section below.