This study examines the potential economic benefits over a 40-year period of DREAM Act beneficiaries by looking at the estimated number of individuals that would qualify for status under the bill and then calculating the income of potential beneficiaries over that time period, representative of the work life of 25-65 year-old employed individuals. Numbers of potential beneficiaries are based upon the most recent Migration Policy Institute estimates. The report concludes that legalization and education of the affected population could generate between $1.4 trillion and $3.6 trillion (in current dollars) over the 40 years, depending on the number of individuals that are ultimately eligible for legalization.
