OK, guys. Here's a script that you can use to message the following senators: Baucus (D-MT), Conrad (D-ND), Dorgan (D-ND), Landrieu (D-LA), Pryor (D-AR), Tester (D-MT), McCaskill (D-MO)--I think McCaskill is now a supporter:
I am writing to you to express the urgent need to pass the DREAM Act (Development, Relief, and Education for Alien Minors). The DREAM Act was introduced in the Senate and House on March 26 as S.729 and H.R.1751 respectively.
The DREAM Act is a bipartisan proposal, which would create a pathway to citizenship for thousands of young students who were brought to the United States years ago as children. These children have grown up in our communities and include honor roll students, star athletes, talented artists, homecoming queens, and aspiring teachers, doctors, and U.S. soldiers.
Even though they were brought to the U.S. years ago as children, they face unique barriers to higher education, are unable to work legally in the U.S., and often live in constant fear of detection by immigration authorities. Our immigration law currently has no mechanism to consider the special equities and circumstances of such students. The DREAM Act would eliminate this flaw.
By enacting the DREAM Act, Congress would legally recognize what is de facto true: these young people belong here. If Congress fails to act this year, another entire class of outstanding, law-abiding high school students will graduate without being able to plan for the future, and some will be removed from their homes to countries they barely know. This tragedy will cause America to lose a vital asset: an educated class of promising immigrant students who have demonstrated a commitment to hard work and a strong desire to be contributing members of our society.
A more educated workforce which contributes to our tax base is precisely the economic stimulus we need in these hard times.
I urge you to support and cosponsor the DREAM Act by contacting Senators Richard Durbin or Richard Lugar in the Senate or Representatives Howard Berman or Lincoln Diaz-Balart in the House of Representatives.
It'd be great if you're from any of those states listed above, but everyone feel free to email them too!
