INDIANAPOLIS -- The immigration debate is expected to heat up next week if the U.S. Senate takes up a proposal being championed by Indiana Sen. Richard Lugar.

The Development, Relief and Education of Alien Minors Act, also known as the Dream Act, would allow people who are not legal to enter the military, have access to college and ultimately provide a path to gaining legal status.

The Latino Youth Collective of Indianapolis, a group made up of local immigration advocates, wants the bill to become law.


"These kids are American in every sense of the word. They grow up in our country, they study in our schools and they are ready to give back," said member Katherine Souchet-Moura. "The kids are already in our schools and contributing. The Dream Act would allow them to do give more."

But officials with the Indiana Federation for Immigration Reform and Enforcement told 6News the group opposes what they call an amnesty program.

"Is it good for us? No, it's not because once you grant amnesty to these folks, they will be able to sponsor relatives in other countries to go here, therefore increasing immigration into our country legally, therefore overburdening our system, our social services and our schools," said Greg Serbon, the group's state director.

A representative for Lugar, a Republican, told 6News the senator wants a vote on the bill as long as it's not attached to any other proposals.

Rep. Andre Carson, D-7th District, also supports the measure.

"This act allows them make a positive contribution. It acknowledges they are human beings," he said. "It's a no-brainer."

Source : http://www.theindychannel.com/news/25912998/detail.html