Congressman Sanford Bishop

Representing the 2nd District of Georgia

Bishop Statement on House Passage of the Dream Act

Washington, DC – Congressman Sanford D. Bishop, Jr. (GA-2) today issued the following statement on the passage of the Development, Relief & Education for Alien Minors Act (DREAM Act) by the U.S. House of Representatives on December 8, 2010:

“I support the DREAM Act as amended because it creates a process, albeit a difficult ten-year process, for a limited group of young people who were brought the United States years ago as children through no fault of their own, to resolve their immigration status thereby allowing America to receive the full benefit of their talents.”

“I do not believe that it is right to unfairly punish children who did not make the decision to come into the country illegally for the sins of their parents.  These children know no other home, and they should be given the opportunity to complete their education, serve in the military if they so choose, and contribute to the economy.  This bill has bipartisan support and is endorsed by the U.S. military.”

“Military leaders such as Secretary of Defense Robert Gates, Former Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff General Colin Powell, and Undersecretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness Clifford Stanley all strongly support the DREAM Act.  Those who meet the strict standards of the DREAM Act will be eligible to serve our country.  This will improve military recruitment and readiness which will strengthen our armed forces.  The U.S. Military has a long and distinguished record dating to the Revolutionary War of those who are not yet citizens answering the call to defend their adopted nation.”

“The DREAM Act is not amnesty.  It is limited, targeted legislation that will allow only the best and brightest young people to earn their legal status after a rigorous and lengthy process, and it applies only to young people who have lived here for at least five years before the date of enactment and who were brought to the U.S. by their parents as minors (15 years of age or younger).  The DREAM Act also will bolster the security of out border by allowing federal law enforcement to focus their time and resources on more serious targets.”

“In addition, this legislation will stimulate the economy and reduce the deficit by about $2.2 billion over the next ten years.  Presently, many of those working illegally in this country are paid cash ‘under the table.’  That cash is not circulating in our economy.  It is not kept in banks and it is not taxed.  Those who earn their citizenship through the DREAM Act will enter the workforce legally, receive fair compensation for their labor, and pay taxes like all Americans, thereby putting money back into the economy.”

“I support the DREAM Act because it is good for the improvement of our economy, the strength of our military, and the security of our nation.”