Mobile immigration attorney talks DREAM Act

MOBILE, Ala. (WALA) - Mobile immigration attorney Robert Ratliff says a move by President Barack Obama is a great stride for young immigrants, but it also has some flaws.

Following an executive order by President Barack Obama on June 15, that furthered the reach of his Development, Relief, and Education for Alien Minors policy, the DREAM Act, Ratliff spoke to FOX10 about pros and cons for the immigrant population.

Obama’s amnesty program allows young, undocumented immigrants to work legally, continue their education at a college level and obtain a driver's license or many other documents they may have lacked as long as they meet certain conditions.

Undocumented immigrants who are under the age of 30, have lived in the United States for at least five years, entered the United States before the age of 16, and not have a criminal record are covered under the amnesty program.

The Supreme Court ruled Monday that many of the provisions of HB1070 the state of Arizona’s immigration law were unconstitutional.

The majority opinion said it is a matter of federal discretion whether or not to deport a person from this country.

Ratliff says that it is a great stride in allowing young people who have called this country their home for years to contribute to society.

A recent study at the University of California Los Angeles found that DREAM Act participants could contribute between $1.4 and 3.6 trillion to the U.S. Economy during their work lives.

Ratliff argues that there are some flaws in the recent ruling. He said he thinks “it doesn’t go far enough.”

"It creates some risks for these kids, to come out and put themselves voluntarily on a list because when the next administration comes, or in two years when it expires, there's a list of people and we don't know what's going to happen," Ratliff said.

With the new, strict state immigration laws pushing through in Alabama, Arizona and other states, Ratliff says many immigrants are fearful of making themselves known, even if they would receive short-term benefits.

He says immigrants should be wary of taking advantage of the DREAM act since it is only a temporary motion.

Still, Ratliff is essentially glad to see that the President is taking a stand for young undocumented immigrants through the DREAM Act.

"It does provide a great benefit for these kids who have been here since they were infants,” Ratliff said. ”They don't know any other way of life and this is their country.”