I don't see the point of the DREAM program, honestly.  It doesn't grant any special way to become a citizen. What is the point of temporarily residing in a country that you are not a citizen of, becoming educated there, only to have to leave (or stay illegally, and not be able to work) when you turn 35.  To me, it seems better to find a way to wind down the DREAM program. Those with no current education commitments, have 1 year to either attain citizenship or leave. Those currently in college, have what is left of their 4-year degree program (max) to finish their education and attain citizenship, or leave at the end. They are not without a country, they have a citizenship - albeit one somewhat unfamiliar to them.  DREAM Act just creates a purgatory of people, who think that they have some claim on the US just due to having been here for a while, where they really have no claim.