A Congressional proposal to give illegal immigrant students a path to
citizenship might receive a vote this week.
Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid has announced that he will attach the so-called DREAM Act to an overall
defense authorization bill expected to receive a vote as early as this
week. University of Florida students have rallied in support of the measure, with UF
President Bernie Machen also backing the proposal.
The DREAM Act — which stands for Development, Relief and Education
for Alien Minors Act — would provide undocumented high school graduates
who meet
certain requirements with the chance to earn temporary residency. If
they finished at least two years of work toward a bachelor’s degree or
served two years in the military, they’d be granted permanent
residency and eventually be able to apply for citizenship.
A law school forum held last year included both sides
of the debate over the act. A supporter said the act would ensure
bright students who have stayed out of trouble could remain in the
U.S., while an opponent said the change would deny spots at
universities to U.S.-born students.
What do you think of the DREAM Act? Post your comments below.
UPDATE: Senate Democrats failed to get the 60 votes needed to
overcome GOP-led opposition to putting the DREAM Act into the defense
bill. I wrote about the reaction of one UF student and act supporter in my column.
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