Revived DREAMs
New hopes for Immigrant Students with the introduction of DREAM Act Amendment in Senate
Marisol Ramos
Issue date: 9/24/07 Section: Opinion
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Despite a decades long effort to pass a comprehensive immigration bill that will offer both a path to legalization and enforce national security, initial debates again collapsed this past June on the Senate floor, making it unlikely that a bill will be passed until after the elections. However, piecemeal provisions which have garnered strong and unprecedented bipartisan support can provide both initial relief and real solutions to this country's immigration problems.
Most notably, the Development, Relief, and Education for Alien Minors (DREAM) Act, which will be reintroduced as an amendment this week, is an example of a sensible solution to the plight of undocumented youths residing in this country. The DREAM Act, if enacted, would offer a 6 year path to legalization for undocumented youths who came to the US before their 16th birthday, have since graduated from high school, and are enrolled in college or the military. Although the amendment needs a critical 60 votes to be approved by the Senate, it provides a bright ray of hope for millions of undocumented youths who live in this country.
Every year, over 65,000 students graduate from high school with very little hope of pursuing their dreams. Many of these students, who aspire to develop their careers by pursuing a higher education, find the doors of many professional development institutions closed to them despite their talents. Most recently, the case of Juan Gomez, a bright and promising young student facing deportation, has drawn national attention to the plight of millions of talented youths. The DREAM Act will change that reality.
Currently, thousands of state and local "enforcement bills" are sprouting up across the country, offering misinformed and ineffective legislative measures to address illegal immigration. The DREAM Act is both a humane and sensible solution that will bring immigrant children and young adults out of the shadows and provide a first step towards future debates on comprehensive immigration reform.
The dreams of millions of youth cannot be put off any longer, and they require your support. By calling your Senators to indicate your support of the DREAM Act amendment in the bill H.R. 1585, the aspirations of immigrant youth who have grown up all their lives in this country and have contributed so greatly will flourish.
For more information, please contact the New York State Youth Leadership Council at (212) 627-2227 ext. 248 or visit our website at www.nysylc.org.
-Marisol Ramos is a core member of the New York State Youth Leadership Council.
VIGIL TO MOTHER CABRINI IN SUPPORT OF THE DREAM ACT
Monday, Sept. 24, 6 p.m. at ST. TERESA'S CHURCH (141 Henry St. on the corner of Rutgers. F to East Broadway). Please wear white to the vigil.
Most notably, the Development, Relief, and Education for Alien Minors (DREAM) Act, which will be reintroduced as an amendment this week, is an example of a sensible solution to the plight of undocumented youths residing in this country. The DREAM Act, if enacted, would offer a 6 year path to legalization for undocumented youths who came to the US before their 16th birthday, have since graduated from high school, and are enrolled in college or the military. Although the amendment needs a critical 60 votes to be approved by the Senate, it provides a bright ray of hope for millions of undocumented youths who live in this country.
Every year, over 65,000 students graduate from high school with very little hope of pursuing their dreams. Many of these students, who aspire to develop their careers by pursuing a higher education, find the doors of many professional development institutions closed to them despite their talents. Most recently, the case of Juan Gomez, a bright and promising young student facing deportation, has drawn national attention to the plight of millions of talented youths. The DREAM Act will change that reality.
Currently, thousands of state and local "enforcement bills" are sprouting up across the country, offering misinformed and ineffective legislative measures to address illegal immigration. The DREAM Act is both a humane and sensible solution that will bring immigrant children and young adults out of the shadows and provide a first step towards future debates on comprehensive immigration reform.
The dreams of millions of youth cannot be put off any longer, and they require your support. By calling your Senators to indicate your support of the DREAM Act amendment in the bill H.R. 1585, the aspirations of immigrant youth who have grown up all their lives in this country and have contributed so greatly will flourish.
For more information, please contact the New York State Youth Leadership Council at (212) 627-2227 ext. 248 or visit our website at www.nysylc.org.
-Marisol Ramos is a core member of the New York State Youth Leadership Council.
VIGIL TO MOTHER CABRINI IN SUPPORT OF THE DREAM ACT
Monday, Sept. 24, 6 p.m. at ST. TERESA'S CHURCH (141 Henry St. on the corner of Rutgers. F to East Broadway). Please wear white to the vigil.
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