Reply to this post by I agree or disagree:

1. Personally, my reaction to this video is that the video is extremely inspiring, hopeful, and optimistic. The DREAM Act protects immigrants who came to the United States of America as minors and or children, which are at risk for deportation. Of course, this video was from 2012, and much as changed regarding the DREAM Act. However, watching this video I was able to view the impact of the DREAM Act at that time, when I was too young to even begin to comprehend what it could mean. I personally was really moved by Julietta stating that it doesn't matter that she was aged out, they would figure something out, that at the end of the day this was a win for the Dreamers. That in itself demonstrates how the Dreamers were truly a united family that came together to bring about such a positive change within the United States.
2. The DREAM movement is an example of planned social change, in my opinion. This is because, as mentioned in the video, it was "years of organizing, of storytelling, of defiance, of coming out, and sharing who we are with America" (The New York Times 1:20). In 2011, they were denied, but this did not stop them. They kept pushing and made changes in order to achieve the ultimate goal. Every step they took got them closer and closer to their goal. In the American Immigration Council, it mentioned how the very first versions of the DREAM Act were brought up in 2001. In 2023, the DREAM Act would establish Dreamers to apply for legal status and become United States citizens. Therefore, this demonstrates the planned social change that has come about by the Dreamers. Of course, it took much planning, hard work, and ambition, but ultimately, the DREAM movement has become a part of the United States.
3. The DREAM movement is an example of incremental change because as I mentioned above, it took years of organizing, planning, and changing. According to the American Immigration Council, "Over the last 20 years, at least 11 versions of the Dream Act have been introduced in Congress" (American Immigration Council 1). Obviously different versions of the Dream Act have had differences, they all lead to one ultimate goal, the legal status for children who come to the United States undocumented. The Dream act highlighted a three-step process which includes, conditional permanent residence in the United States, lawful permanent residence in the United States, and naturalization. Due to the fact that both so much time and change has been done to the Dream Act, it is evident that it is an example of gradual change. The gradual change was ultimately beneficial to the Dreamers. I view the Dreamers as overcomers and ambitious individuals.
4. The opposite viewpoint of this issue is that these Dreamers, are not United States citizens, which means they are vulnerable to deportation. A few negative aspects that can arise from this issue is that both DACA and the Dream act are encouraging illegal immigration, and that amnesty should not be given out to those who "break the law". It ultimately is a very controversial topic because of course, they were not born in the United States and they are immigrants. Moreover, Immigration can be a very difficult topic because there are various topics that come into play. Such as economics, legal issues, and security interests. There are so many opinions regarding immigration, from both Republicans and Democrats, which clearly make immigration an extremely hard hitting and controversial topic. The United States is also viewed as a country for opportunity and freedom, and many immigrate to the United States in order to pursue "the American Dream".

https://www.americanimmigrationcouncil.org/research/dream-act-overviewLinks to an external site.

https://immigrationforum.org/article/bill-summary-dream-act-of-2023/Links to an external site.

https://www.theatlantic.com/politics/archive/2018/02/why-immigration-divides/552125/Links to an external site.