http://www.thecalifornian.com/articl...r+immigrants++

2nd page.

"President Barack Obama supports the DREAM Act, which would allow illegal immigrants brought to this country as children by their parents to become legal residents - and eventually U.S. citizens - if they attend college or serve in the U.S. military for at least two years. The bill is aimed at helping people who came to the U.S. before the age of 16, have been here continuously for at least five years, are of good moral character, and are under age 35 on the date of enactment.

Defense Secretary Robert Gates and other Pentagon officials support the measure, saying it would boost military recruitment.

Opponents say the legislation would give amnesty to illegal immigrants and encourage more people to break the law. Supporters say it would offer a path to economic stability for immigrant children, allowing them to become productive residents of the nation they see as home.

Although Reid may gain votes from lame-duck senators such as Sen. Blanche Lincoln, D-Ark., and retiring Sen. George Voinovich, R-Ohio, he could face rebellion from the 10 Democrats expected to face tough re-election bids in two years.

"I can guarantee that we'll do everything we can to let the voters in those senators' states know two years from now that they voted to pass a loophole-ridden amnesty bill," said Roy Beck, executive director of NumbersUSA, which wants to reduce the number of immigrants coming to the United States."