WASHINGTON, D.C. - Rep. Lucille Roybal-Allard (CA-34), co-author of the Dream Act and an outspoken immigrant rights advocate, hailed Majority Leader Harry's Reid's announcement that he would bring the legislation to the Senate floor for a vote before adjourning in December.Roybal-Allard, who serves as Downey's representative in Congress, also called on her colleagues to pass the House version of the bill - HR 1751, the American Dream act - after Congress returns from the Thanksgiving recess. "Before it adjourns in December, the groundbreaking 111th Congress should add another signature achievement to a list that already includes health care reform and the banking overhaul bill by finally passing the Dream Act on behalf of countless young people raised in America but denied the rights and responsibilities of American citizenship," Roybal-Allard said. "These kids have the potential to become doctors, lawyers, teachers and members of Congress but face insurmountable legal obstacles," the congresswoman continued. "Recognizing the senselessness of squandering both their promise and the investments we've already made in their education, the Dream Act would enable gifted students in every state to attend college and ultimately contribute to the social and economic fabric of our nation." The Dream Act offers a path to legalization and citizenship to students who entered the U.S. before the age of 16, have lived here for five years and have completed two years of higher education or military service. The bill would also eliminate a federal provision that prohibits states from allowing undocumented students to pay in-state tuition.

********** Published: December 2, 2010 - Volume 9 - Issue 33