Durbin discusses why he wrote the DREAM Act. The DREAM Act would allow a select group of immigrant students with great potential to contribute more fully to America. These young people were brought to the U.S. as children and should not be punished for their parents' mistakes. The DREAM Act would give these students a chance to earn legal status if they: 1) came to the U.S. as children (15 or under), 2) are long-term U.S. residents (continuous physical presence for at least five years), 3) have good moral character, 4) graduate from high school or obtain a GED, and 5) complete two years of college or military service in good standing.