The following is a statement from Angela M. Kelley, Vice President for Immigration Policy and Advocacy at the Center for American Progress, urging members of the House to vote in favor of the DREAM Act.
“Today, the House of Representatives has a rare chance to do what’s right by our nation’s children and vote on the bipartisan DREAM Act.
The DREAM Act makes common sense, it is fiscally responsible, and it is supported by educators, the military, small business, and organized labor, as well as religious leaders from various faiths. Why is it so important? Because it is also about our nation’s future economic and national security.
The DREAM Act involves high-achieving young students with good moral character—valedictorians, athletes, cheerleaders, J-ROTC members, and future scientists, nurses, and technology developers—who grew up in the United States but are not Americans because they were brought to our country without documents.
This bill would set rigorous standards for these students to gain legal status once they attend college or enlist in U.S. military service so that our country can continue to benefit from their hard work and talent.
They want to serve the country that is their home and we will benefit from their contributions if this bill is passed. Recent studies by the Congressional Budget Office and UCLA underscore the economic benefits that would be derived from the DREAM Act.
This is one time that partisanship can and should be set aside, for the sake of children and our nation’s future.
The Center for American Progress applauds House Democratic leaders for bringing the DREAM Act to a floor vote, and we ask every Democrat and Republican to set aside past partisan battles and approve this very sensible bill.”
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