SEN. DICK DURBIN: I plan to introduce the bill again next Congress - Page 6

Originally Posted by Tacvbo

I remember him saying in a speech that his mom was an immigrant.

Originally Posted by edie0789

No student loans or Pell Grants. During this period their progress would be carefully monitored and any serious violation would disqualify them. Then they would wait three to five years for a chance to prove they are qualified to be naturalized citizens.

Originally Posted by edie0789

On Saturday, history came calling in the United States Senate and most of the Republicans turned away.

Two measures of historic import, the DREAM Act and the repeal of Don’t Ask Don’t Tell, offered to this generation of senators a rare chance to go on record to right obvious injustices. In the end, of the 42 Republican senators, only three voted for the DREAM Act and eight for the repeal of DADT.

The DREAM Act, which I first offered 10 years ago, addresses the plight of infants and children brought here by undocumented parents. Most live their lives pledging allegiance to our flag and believing they are Americans. And yet they are not. They have few legal rights and no legal future in the only country they have ever called home.

The DREAM Act would offer them a steep and rocky path to legal status. Finish high school. Meet the standards of a strict background check, disqualifying them for the commission of any serious crime. Pay fees of $2,500. Undergo a medical examination. Prove your ability to read and write English. And then either serve in the U.S. military or successfully complete at least two years of college. During the 10 years after application they would have no legal right to any government benefits. No Medicaid. No student loans or Pell Grants. During this period their progress would be carefully monitored and any serious violation would disqualify them. Then they would wait three to five years for a chance to prove they are qualified to be naturalized citizens.

Critics of the DREAM Act took to the Senate floor and argued the tragic death last week of an American border guard was reason to defeat this bill. They argue that until our borders are secure these children should have no chance to become legal. Holding these young people accountable for the misdeeds of their parents is bad enough, but holding them all accountable for for the effectiveness of our border security is extreme.

In the end, the final vote was 55-41. The DREAM Act again had a majority of the Senate but not the supermajority necessary to overcome a Republican filibuster. But I will not stop. I plan to introduce the bill again next Congress. As long as I am a member of the Senate, the DREAM Act will not die.


http://www.suntimes.com/opinions/296...ate-legal.html

Originally Posted by Nic89

I hope for Durbin & Clinton ticket in future(2016). Obama has to run with clinton as vice president in 2012 to be relelected or Sarah Palin come as republicans nominee then he can beat her eassily.