It would be a disaster for the United States and for the rule of law.
Mickey Kaus blogs:
Roy Beck's closing analysis of the DREAM Act is quite powerful and damning. He argues that, because there are no penalties to lying on a DREAM application, and because once you file the application you get a work permit good for 10 years (while you comply with the Act's requirements), the Act is basically a 10 year free pass to any illegal in a broad under-35ish age range who either qualifies or is willing to say he qualifies even if he doesn't.
Why wouldn't an illegal immigrant who didn't qualify file a false application? The rewards are very large. (Even if you don't qualify you get 10 legal years.) The risks are low. (Even if your application's rejected you are highly unlikely to get kicked out), It's an easy choice to rationalize—you just want to work, the politicians should have passed "comprehensive" reform, etc.—and there will be friendly pro-immigrant activists to help rationalize it for those who hesitate. I'm not sure any group of individuals anywhere in the world could withstand that temptation. Beck thinks
up to 2 million illegal aliens could legitimately qualify for the opening application, and perhaps a couple million more might be or look young enough to fraudulently apply.
After 10 years these millions would either have met the requirements for permanent legalization under DREAM (by spending two yers in college or the military)—or else they could still apply for a "hardship" exemption.
It's not as big an amnesty as I'd thought. It's much, much bigger.
