The federal DREAM Act would generate $329 billion for the United States through 2030. California alone would see a $97.7 billion increase in revenue. These statistics come from an October 2012 study by the Center for American Progress, an independent, non-partisan educational institute, and the Partnership for a New American Economy, a bipartisan group of mayors and business leaders from across the United States.
California is currently home to 550,000 individuals who could become citizens if the DREAM Act were passed. The state has more undocumented immigrants who are eligible to be DREAMers than any other state. The state would see the economic benefit from a rise in increased consumer spending, wages, taxes, and access to better jobs. The state would gain approximately 384,000 jobs and approximately $3.37 billion in taxes. California might also see more of an increase in 2013. Next year, the state will begin making grants and scholarships for higher education available to eligible undocumented immigrants.
The DREAM Act would encourage undocumented immigrants who have grown up and received a high school education or performed military service in the U.S. to remain in the country. The DREAM Act is projected to provide 2.1 billion young adults with a path to legal status. Many DREAMers speak English, are familiar with American culture, and have family members in the U.S. DREAMers with legal status are more likely to become entrepreneurs or help family members develop small businesses.
DREAMers with legal status would have work permits and access to federal funding for higher education. These tools would help them increase their earning potential. The study states that DREAMers with legal status are expected to contribute high amounts in taxable income. They would shrink the amount of tax dollars spent on public health and benefits.
DREAMers with legal status are likely to open bank accounts, buy homes, and demonstrate stable patterns of consumer spending. They are also expected to continue their education after high school and pay their own tuition.
If the total number of DREAMers were deported, California and the U.S. would lose billions in diminished earnings, consumption, and demand.