Sens. Dick Durbin, Richard Lugar tweak DREAM Act
 

WASHINGTON — Senate proponents of a measure to provide certain undocumented aliens with a pathway to citizenship through education or military service have offered several changes to the legislation in a last-ditch effort to get it passed during the rapidly waning days of the current lame-duck session.

The changes to the DREAM Act were offered last week by Sen. Dick Durbin, D-Ill., the bill's primary sponsor, along with Sen. Richard Lugar, R-Ind. The effort was made to attract more Republicans, whose vote will be needed if the proposal is to survive.

Currently, only three Republicans — Lugar, Sen. Linda Murkowski of Alaska, and Sen. Bob Bennett of Utah — are expected to offer support. The measure likely needs at least seven Republicans because a number of Democrats are expected to vote against it.

The DREAM Act would provide a select group of young, undocumented immigrants an opportunity to earn legal status if they entered the U.S. at the age of 15 or younger, remained in the country for at least five years, have exhibited good moral character and completed two years of college or military service in good standing.

"Undocumented young people usually arrive with their families and have no understanding of their immigration status," Lugar said in introducing the bill. "They should be encouraged to complete an education and move toward permanent residency."

Opposition has been mounted against the bill by anti-immigration organizations who have characterized it as an amnesty. Supporters such as Lugar have rejected that description, but the changes offered by Durbin are intended to make the DREAM Act a little more palatable to reluctant lawmakers.

The newest version would prohibit illegal immigrants from receiving in-state college tuition, drop the highest age to be eligible for the program from 34 to 29, delay the granting of permanent legal status for at least 10 years, restricts eligibility for those who commit certain misdemeanors and place limits on sponsoring family members for U.S. citizenship.

Senate Democratic leader Harry Reid of Nevada hasn't scheduled a vote but has indicated it likely will come this week. But Senate Republicans, including Lugar, may filibuster the measure if majority Democrats don't first reach a deal and vote on a measure to extend tax cuts adopted during the Bush administration that are scheduled to expire at the end of the year.

The GOP, in a letter to Reid, has said it will block all legislative items until some deal is reached.

"The news that Senate Republicans are banding together to block all legislation unrelated to tax cuts and government funding is shameful," said Frank Sharry, executive director of America's Voice, a pro-immigration organization.

"It reveals a sad truth — the Republican caucus would rather obstruct their way to 'no' for political purposes than do their job and pass legislation that is good for America."

But the Federation for American Immigration Reform maintains DREAM Act supporters are trying to mislead the public.

"When Americans fully understand the scope of this illegal alien amnesty proposal, the benefits that illegal aliens would be eligible to receive and the very minimal requirements needed to qualify, they overwhelmingly oppose passage of the DREAM Act," said Dan Stein, president of the Federation for American Immigration Reform.


http://www.courierpress.com/news/201...session-wanes/


It seems that Sen. Murkowski is on board. I think we can disregard the part about the GOP voting NO on every bill.

Re: Sens. Dick Durbin, Richard Lugar tweak DREAM Act
 

At least this is a second source saying she will vote for the bill. I hope Reid is trying desperately to get Democrats in line.

Re: Sens. Dick Durbin, Richard Lugar tweak DREAM Act
 

One More Vote For Us

Re: Sens. Dick Durbin, Richard Lugar tweak DREAM Act
 

dude, am i dreaming? Murkowski !!!! oh my lord

Re: Sens. Dick Durbin, Richard Lugar tweak DREAM Act
 

what benefits? does he mean the same benefits that we "ILLEGAL ALIENS" are more likely to take advantage of than the U.S. citizen students? shoot, back in high school, i see kids my age dropping out of school like its nothing to them..

Re: Sens. Dick Durbin, Richard Lugar tweak DREAM Act
 

Let's hope that her willingness to support us means that Reid is actually trying to drum up Republican support behind the scenes.

Which other senators are likely to vote in our favor? Snowe, Collins, and Brownback? If they jump ship we would only need 4 more votes.

Re: Sens. Dick Durbin, Richard Lugar tweak DREAM Act
 

FAIR is never willing to support any immigration proposal. Just ignore them

Re: Sens. Dick Durbin, Richard Lugar tweak DREAM Act
 

yea i know, but sometimes its irritating how ignorant a person can be with such authority..

watch and see, soon its our time to shine and prove these ignorant monkeys what we're all about!!

Re: Sens. Dick Durbin, Richard Lugar tweak DREAM Act
 

wait..i thought they changed the age cap to 30? now they changed it to 29???

Re: Sens. Dick Durbin, Richard Lugar tweak DREAM Act
 

The age cap IS 30. You have to be younger than 30 to qualify.