DREAM Act Introduced Today in Congress

"The DREAM Act is Back," Houston Chronicle, March 26, 2009

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From National Immigration Law Center
For Immediate Release
March 26, 2009
MEDIA CONTACT:
Adey Fisseha 202-216-0261 ext.403

HOUSE AND SENATE INTRODUCE DREAM ACT: A MEASURE TO ADDRESS THE PLIGHT OF IMMIGRANT STUDENTS


Washington D.C. - Today, the DREAM Act (Development, Relief, and Education for Alien Minors Act) was introduced by Senators Richard Durbin (D-IL), Richard Lugar (R-IN), Russell Feingold (D-WI), Edward Kennedy (D-MA), Patrick Leahy (D-VT), Joe Lieberman (I- CT), Mel Martinez (R-FL), and Harry Reid (D-NV) in the Senate and Representatives Howard Berman (D-CA), Joseph Cao (R-LA), John Conyers, Jr. (D-MI), Lincoln Diaz-Balart (R-FL), Mario Diaz-Balart (R-FL), Zoe Lofgren (D-CA), Devin Nunez (R-CA), Jared Polis (D-CO), Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R-FL) and Lucille Roybal-Allard (D-CA) in the House of Representatives. This bipartisan legislation addresses the situation faced by young people who were brought to the United States years ago as undocumented immigrant children, and who have since grown up here but are being denied the ability to fully contribute to society.

The DREAM Act would provide certain undocumented youth conditional legal status and eventual citizenship, if they attend college or join the military. It would also allow immigrant students access to higher education by returning to states the authority to determine who qualifies for in-state tuition. "This critical piece of legislation makes it possible for many deserving young people to realize their dream of a college education" said Marielena Hincapié, Executive Director of the National Immigration Law Center, "and thereby contribute to the future of this country."

For the first time since it was first introduced in 2001, the DREAM Act enjoys strong backing of House and Senate leadership, all of the relevant committee chairs and President Obama, who was an original sponsor of the legislation when he was in the Senate.

NILC commends the strong leadership shown by Senators Durbin and Lugar and Representatives Berman, Diaz-Balart and Roybal-Allard. "To be competitive in today's global economy, America depends on an educated and skilled population," said Adey Fisseha, Interim Federal Policy Director of NILC. "The DREAM Act realizes the benefit of having a more multicultural, multilingual U.S. workforce. We urge the House and Senate to pass the DREAM Act and President Obama to sign this important bill into law," added Fisseha.

To contact immigrant students, educators or for more information please contact: Adey Fisseha, Interim Federal Policy Director (Fisseha@nilc.org) 202-216-0261 ext.403