DREAM Act Portal Forum - Local students express frustration as Senate rejects DREAM Act proposal

By ALEJANDRO CANO
Published: Thursday, September 23, 2010 2:26 PM CDT
Their faces reflected sadness, helplessness, frustration and a visible anger.

Their dreams of becoming legal residents, the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, had slipped away because the U.S. Senate rejected the DREAM Act, a proposal that would legalize millions of undocumented students throughout the nation.

Despite having lost a battle, students and other members of the Inland Empire Coalition Dream Team and Justice for Immigrants remained determined to eventually become legal residents through either the DREAM Act or through comprehensive immigration reform.

"We've lost a battle, but not the war. We still maintain hope. Now is the time to get out and vote, those who can should vote against those who have given their back on us," said Gladys Castro, a Fontana resident and student during a brief press conference in San Bernardino. "Let's not give up ... the fight continues."

The DREAM Act, also known as the Development, Relief and Education for Alien Minors Act, would grant permanent residence to undocumented immigrants who were brought by their parents to the United States as they sought a better quality of life. To qualify, persons must demonstrate that they have completed at least two years of college or military service, among other requirements.

The majority of Democrats in Congress approved the legislation, but Republicans overwhelmingly opposed it, saying it would amount to amnesty for illegal immigrants.

Republicans used a procedural vote to effectively kill the proposal. Democrats included the bill in a defense reauthorization bill, which required 60 votes to pass. In the end, the measure received 56 votes, falling short by four votes.

Immigration advocates called the vote a lack of justice for hundreds of thousands of students who need the documents to continue pursuing the American Dream. It is estimated that in California alone more than 550,000 students could benefit; nationwide the number reaches 2.1 million people.

"We denounce today's Senate vote for its lack of courage, justice and humanity. The Senate shamefully ignored the thousands upon thousands of exceptional immigrant students who called upon them to ask for the one chance they need to give back to the nation they call home," said Maria Rodriguez, coordinator of the California Dream Network, a project of the Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights of Los Angeles (CHIRLA). "With the failure to pass the Dream Act, the hope of many is shattered, but not their commitment to serve our nation well until the moment comes when they can safely emerge from the shadows and be just like any other citizen of the United States of America."

Democrats promised to bring the bill back but this time as a stand-alone bill. Republicans John Cornyn and Kay Hutchinson said they would support the DREAM Act as a stand-alone bill; however, political experts said it has virtually no chance of passing.

Rep. Joe Baca (D-Rialto) said it is time to push for comprehensive immigration reform that would include the Proud Act, a bill similar to the DREAM Act but with less requirements.

"A high school graduate, upon turning 18, may apply by presenting their transcripts to prove that they have completed grades 6 through 12, show that they understand U.S. history, government, and civics, and additionally can prove they are of good moral character," said Baca. "The Proud Act will be a positive impact in schools and communities throughout the nation. This is one piece of the puzzle. There is more that needs to be done for comprehensive immigration reform."

For now, Castro will continue dreaming as supporters try to find the way to approve the bill once and for all.

"This is my fight, this is my battle, and I will not surrender ... we will achieve victory," said Castro.

Source : http://www.fontanaheraldnews.com/art...7271259237.txt