I know what you mean. There's an emotional aversion rather than a rational one to helping immigrants. But you know what? There are many people who might be on the fence or who might be convinced by rational discourse. There are a lot more benefits to creating a rational framework from which we can advocate for the DREAM Act.

I'm going to draft a quick initial sketch of arguments. Feel free to add, subtract or critique. If something like this fleshes out, it will be a very potent source of advocacy for the DREAM Act. Tell me what you think.

(buckminsterfullerene, I liked your post and incorporated some of your ideas)

1) Passing the DREAM Act will lower crime rates.

Crime is inextricably linked with poverty, and lack of educational and economic opportunities. Passing the DREAM Act will keep DREAM Act beneficiaries off the streets and out of jail by giving them an opportunity to get training and jobs. Crime rates will go down as a result of the DREAM Act.

(Insert study that showed immigrants have lower incarceration rates)

2) Passing the DREAM Act will reduce the amount of money taxpayers spend on undocumented immigrants.

Many citizens find the idea of undocumented citizens usurping taxpayer funds to be unacceptable. Passing the DREAM Act will reduce the amount of money going to undocumented students in three ways:

a) Collecting fines and back-taxes from DREAM Act beneficiaries would bring several million (billion?) dollars into government coffers.

b) DREAM Act beneficiaries will have to pay taxes upon legalization.

c) DREAM Act beneficiaries who graduate will be more likely to get jobs and stay off of taxpayer-funded assistance.

3) Passing the DREAM Act will stimulate the economy by creating and filling jobs.

Statistics show that immigrants are more likely to create jobs and start businesses than American citizens. Passage of the DREAM Act is expected to follow this trend, with DREAM Act beneficiaries more likely to start businesses and create jobs. College graduates will also be more likely to fill specialized jobs that are in high demand despite the recession.

4) Passing the DREAM Act is a humanitarian gesture that aids minors who were unfairly victimized by circumstances and/or the immigration system.

People on both sides of the argument agree that the immigration system is broken. One way in which is falls short is in the lack of protection it affords to minors, and this is what the DREAM Act aims to mitigate.

[What do you think?]