About this time each spring, college acceptance letters start hitting mailboxes across the country. But through no fault of their own, higher education isn't an option for approximately 65,000 high school seniors every year. This is because, despite growing up in the U.S., most undocumented students are excluded from affordable in-state tuition rates and not given the ability to apply for federal student loans and work study programs. Even for those students who can scrounge up the money for college, landing jobs as professionals can be tough, given their residency status.

Today, Sen. Dick Durbin reintroduced the Development, Relief, and Education for Alien Minors Act (DREAM Act), which would remove some of these barriers. Under the bill, undocumented high school grads would have a six-year window to apply for legal residency and the federal government would extend financial aid, work study, and other incentives that encourage states to offer in-state tuition rates.

Durbin's office explained the eligibility requirements in a press release today:

Arrival in the U.S. at 15 or under;
A U.S. resident for at least 5 years;
A high school graduate;
Complete at least two years of military service or college credits;
Good moral character. 

Illinois has been out in front of most states on this issue, adopting the in-state tuition rates for undocumented students back in 2003. But piecemeal reforms -- for instance, Roosevelt University's offer last spring to waive expenses for certain low-income undocumented students -- don't represent a comprehensive solution.

Durbin explains his support in a release: 

“Our immigration laws prevent thousands of young people from fully contributing to our nation’s future.  These young people have lived in this country for most of their lives.  It is the only home they know.  They are American in every sense except their technical legal status" [...]

“We should not punish children for their parents’ mistakes.  That is not the American way.  The DREAM Act says to these kids:  America will give you a chance.  We will give you the opportunity to earn your way to legal status if you work hard and play by the rules,” Durbin said. 

And this is no marginal problem. In 2007, 360,000 recent graduates would have been eligible for the DREAM Act, according to research (PDF) by the Immigration Policy Center (IPC). The Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights has more.