Dems Fight For DREAM Act

by Kyle LaFleur

Democratic members of both houses joined the Secretary of Education and Homeland Security Wednesday to rally Congress to vote on the Development Relief and Education for Alien Minors (DREAM) Act before the end of the lame duck session.  

The DREAM Act would allow minors under the age of 16 whose parents are undocumented immigrants to gain a path to citizenship provided they complete high school or reiceve a GED, have lived in the United States for at least five years, are of good moral character and plan to either attend an American university or serve in the military for at least two years.  

“This is in the interest, not just these young people, not just in the interest of their families and their communities, this is in the nation’s interest,” said Education Secretary Arne Duncan. “We need their ingenuity, we need their creativity, we need their entrepreneurship skills, we need them to help lead the country where we need to go educationally.”

Critics of the bill have argued that it is just an amnesty plan disguised as an education bill.

“I want to make it absolutely clear, this is a very tailored and structured piece of legislation,” said Congressman Luis Gutierrez (D-Ill.). “So tailored and so structured that if you’re 10 years old today and have only been in the country four years, you do not qualify for the DREAM Act.”

Gutierrez went on to point out that beneficiaries of this legislation would not receive pell grants, health care or government assistance if they chose to go on to college. He also added that those choosing to enlist in the military would be paying the ultimate tax to the United States. 

“That is the tax of our blood, of our life and our limb in defense of this nation,” said Gutierrez.  

Democratic leaders have called for the vote to be held Wednesday as they scramble to gain support on both sides of the aisle.