Meanwhile, 18-year-old Reyna Wences, a college student and member of the Immigrant Youth Justice League (more about them here), spoke out in support of Sen. Durbin's Dream Act, which would provide a path to citizenship for undocumented students who were brought to the U.S. illegally at a young age. But she also pointed out the need for broader immigration reforms. "Don't make us choose between our parents freedom and our own. Don't make us choose between our parents' happiness and our own. What am I supposed to tell my mother if Dream passes and [comprehensive immigration reform] doesnt?"
Finally, Sen. Durbin took the podium and reasserted his support for the Dream Act, which he first proposed ten years ago. "I will not rest until it becomes the law of the land." He also reflected on the recent, lengthy fight over health care. He praised President Barack Obama's determination in that legislative struggle and added, "We need that same determination to pass comprehensive immigration reform this year. ... In the name of all who fight for social justices. In the name of all the families who go to bed with tears in their eyes, facing deportation and separation -- in their name we cannot fail. We must pass comprehensive immigration reform. We must pass it this year. We must come together as nation. We must get this through."
llinois' own Rep. Luis Gutierrez, who has introduced a comprehensive immigration reform bill, was unable to attend because he was speaking at a very similar rally in Las Vegas, Nevada. At that rally, Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid echoed Durbin's comments, saying: "We're going to do this this year. We cannot wait.
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