A new version of the Development Relief and Education for Alien Minors (DREAM) Act (S. 3992) was introcuced by U.S. Senator Harry Reid.

S. 3992 would authorize the Secretary of Homeland Security to grant conditional nonimmigrant status to undocumented students who were brought to this country before the age of 16, have been here at least five years as of the enactment date, and are under 30 years of age. After 10 years, individuals could have their status adjusted from conditional nonimmigrant to legal permanent resident status if they have received a degree from an institution of higher education, completed at least two years toward a bachelor’s (or higher)degree, or served at least two years in the military.

Key provisions in the bill include:

• Increasing the conditional nonimmigrant status from six to ten years
• Lowering the age requirement, so only those younger than 30 are eligible
• Expanding the definition of “institution of higher learning” to include vocational institutions
• Requiring the children to be brought to the U.S. before the age of 16 and live here at least five years when the legislation is enacted into law
• Requiring a U.S. high school diploma or GED credential

A vote on S. 3992 coud come as early as next week in the Senate. It is unknown if the House will introduce and vote on its own version of the bill or take up the Senate’s version.