Who's Dream?

I've recently heard discussion about the DREAM Act (Development, Relief and Education of Alien Minors Act) resurface. I've got to admit that while I consider myself a social democrat, I have mixed feelings about it. Here's a little background,

"The purpose of the Development, Relief and Education of Alien Minors Act, also called the DREAM Act, is to help those individuals who meet certain requirements, have an opportunity to enlist in the military or go to college and have a path to citizenship which they otherwise would not have without this legislation. Supporters of the DREAM Act believe it is vital not only to the people who would benefit from it, but also the United States as a whole. It would give an opportunity to undocumented immigrant students who have been living in the U.S. since they were young, a chance to contribute back to the country that has given so much to them and a chance to utilize their hard earned education and talents."

I'm not entirely convinced that giving the offspring of illegal immigrants the opportunity to achieve citizenship in the way outlined is reasonable. I support immigration, but not illegal immigration. Now, I realize by saying that you'll likely put me into the American "Purist" pool, but I assure you that I fully understand the loaded role of illegal immigrants in this country (See, A Day Without a Mexican, obviously not my only self defense but in example), and also sympathize with the government's mind-blowingly complex task of managing immigration.

I think the only reasonable part of this Act is the military option. Citizenship gifting happened in WWII and the Civil War although, circumstances during the Civil War were fucked and the WWII circumstances were totally asinine and I do believe an attempt at reparations was made although I'm sure not nearly enough considering the suffering many families of soldiers were put through. Why not give this option to the children of illegal immigrants? Commit to serving our country, THEN you can go to school with loans or military tuition assistance (I know this exists as incentive for soldiers but I'm uninformed of it's actual educational aid), just like the rest of us.

I know kids don't have a choice in immigrating legally or illegally, but the "American Dream," I believe isn't something that should be bastardized by "criminals", and I use that term loosely to differentiate between legal and illegal residency status, to then be fully realized by their children by default.

Decide for yourself: Dream Act