LAS VEGAS - Next week, years of studying and hard work will finally pay off for one student. That's when she will receive her degree in political science.
"I am extremely excited. I have been dreaming about it for literally the past… 18 years," she said. "Since the first day I walked into kindergarten, and they have the little caps and gowns, I have been looking forward to this day. So, it's a very big moment in my life."
However, the soon-to-be graduate, whom we'll call "Jessica", is graduating in the shadows. She's an illegal immigrant who arrived in the United States from Mexico when she was four years old.
"You force a child to do whatever it is that you're doing," she said. "Do I blame dreamers' parents? My parents? No, I don't, because I think that, ultimately, any parents' goal is to get that better life for their children."
Brought here by her parents at a young age, Jessica is a victim of circumstance. Because of her status, she can't work. She can't drive.
The DREAM Act, which is being reintroduced by U.S. Sen. Harry Reid (Nevada-D), would give people like Jessica a second chance.
It would allow illegal immigrants who grew up in the United States a chance to earn legal status if they're willing to pursue a college education or serve in the military.
Opponents of the bill, like the group Citizens Outreach, say lawmakers should consider other ways to reform immigration.
"It's kind of a back-door amnesty," said Citizens Outreach President Chuck Muth. "What we're trying to do here is find a way to put the camel's nose under the tent, to just open up the doors, to open borders. Everybody knows it."
People like Jessica have a different interpretation of what the DREAM Act will do.
"It symbolizes what America is," she said. "America is the American dream. We come here for the land of opportunity, and I want to be able to give back to my community that has given so much to me."
The DREAM Act would apply to children who arrived here when they 15 or younger and have maintained "good moral character". The act was first introduced in 2001.
