In an important step forward, the Senate held its first-ever hearing on the DREAM Act. The DREAM Act allows many young immigrants, who have grown up in the United States, the opportunity to become permanent residents of this country. The hearing highlighted the fact that many of these individuals are top students and aspire to be professionals and entrepreneurs in this country as well as serving America by enlisting in the military. The lack of a path to permanent residence for these individuals puts them in a “dead-end” position in the United States. As a country of immigrants, we need to empower these individuals to become full-contributing members of our society. Hopefully, the hearing will have a positive impact on the passage of this important legislation.