Tomorrow the U.S. Senate is scheduled to vote on the Dream Act, a bill that would offer legal status to certain immigrant children who have exhibited a lifetime pursuing the American Dream. If it passes, the Dream Act would offer legal status to hard-working immigrant
youths who: 1) were brought to the US before turning 6 years old; 2) graduate high school; 3) either attend two years of
college or serve for 2 years in the military; and 3) have stayed out
of trouble with the law. Call (1-888-254-5087) or
email (www.LASTNAME.senate.gov) your senators and tell them to support the Dream
Act.
Modern American contains thousands of immigrant youth who involuntary arrived in the US in tow of their parents. Many of these kids stay out of trouble, grow up, and attend college. Notwithstanding their proven good character, many of these youth can be deported at any time due to their illegal status. This applies even if a child was dragged to the US before he could walk, only knows how to speak English, and spent 90% of his life growing up in America.
The bipartisan bill was co-authored by Republicans and Democrats and is a far cry from amnesty. Rather, it tries to reward honest, able youths by giving them rights like those we enjoy every day. In the 2007 debates on comprehensive immigration reform, it only failed narrowly, and garnered support from Republicans such as Senator McCain and Senator Hutchison.
Before the vote tomorrow, I urge you to take 3 minutes of your time and call your senator's office. Just tell them you support the Dream Act and want your senator to vote in favor of it. Usually, the staffer will ask for your zipcode and that's it. Enough support, and even senators who have pledged to vote against it may change their minds.