Rep. Lucille Roybal-Allard Calls on Congress to Pass DREAM Act
Washington,
Nov 18 -
Dream Act co-author and outspoken immigrant rights advocate Congresswoman Lucille Roybal-Allard hailed Majority Leader Harry Reid’s announcement that he would finally bring this critical legislation to the Senate floor for a vote. She also called on her colleagues to match Senator Reid’s political courage by passing the House version of the bill—HR 1751, the American Dream Act—after Congress returns from the Thanksgiving recess.
“Before it adjourns in December, the groundbreaking 111th Congress should add another signature achievement to a list that already includes health care reform and the banking overhaul bill by finally passing the Dream Act on behalf of countless young people raised in America but denied the rights and responsibilities of American citizenship.
These kids have the potential to become doctors, lawyers, teachers and members of Congress but face insurmountable legal obstacles. Recognizing the senselessness of squandering both their promise and the investments we’ve already made in their education, the Dream Act would enable gifted students in every state to attend college and ultimately contribute to the social and economic fabric of our nation.
Senator Reid has announced his intention to bring this desperately needed legislation up for a vote in the Senate and I’m hopeful that our leadership in the House will follow suit. As a first step towards broader immigration reform, I strongly urge my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to stand with students across the country, seize this precious opportunity and vote ‘yes’ on Dream.”
The Dream Act offers a prudent, equitable solution to the challenges that undocumented students face in attempting to gain admission to our colleges and universities. First, it provides a path to legalization and citizenship to students who entered the U.S. before the age of 16, have lived here for 5 years, and have completed two years of higher education or military service. Second, because they often face severe economic hardships, the bill also eliminates a federal provision that prohibits states from allowing undocumented students to pay in-state tuition.”
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