Immigrant students try to rally support for national Dream Act: As a high school senior at an area high school, Jacqueline Midence, 18, has carried a 3.5 grade-point average while taking Advanced Placement classes. She hopes to become a psychologist.
Midence arrived in Maryland four years ago, when her mother moved to the state with her and her younger sister from El Salvador as an undocumented worker. She declined to say where she currently lives or the name of her high school.
If the Development Relief and Education for Minors Act, dubbed the Dream Act, does not pass, she will continue to face a difficult path to college and citizenship.
'If I'm deported I have a lot I've done for my community to be proud of,' Midence said.
The Dream Act would allow the children of undocumented immigrants who have graduated from high school, are considered of 'good moral character' and have been in the country at least five years the opportunity to earn conditional permanent residency if they complete two years of college or two years in the military. Those who complete military service or obtain a bachelor's degree would be eligible to become U.S. citizens.
