DREAM Act Re-Introduced

by Prerna Lal · 2009-03-26 16:15:00 UTC
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It is here as expected. The DREAM Act is once again alive and kicking. And it is up to us now to help it make it past the finishing line.

According to the National Immigration Law Center press release, the bill has strong sponsorship among both Democrats and Republicans:

Senators
Russell Feingold (D-WI)
Edward Kennedy (D-MA)
Patrick Leahy (D-VT)
Joe Lieberman (I- CT)
Mel Martinez (R-FL)
Harry Reid (D-NV)

House of Representatives
Joseph Cao (R-LA)
John Conyers, Jr. (D-MI)
Devin Nunez (R-CA),
Mario Diaz-Balart (R-FL)
Zoe Lofgren (D-CA)
Jared Polis (D-CO)
Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R-FL)

Representative Zoe Lofrgen, Chairperson of the Immigration Subcommittee stated:

As a nation, we face an increasingly competitive global market. To effectively compete in this new interconnected global market, we must ensure that we have the most educated workforce in the world. Whether in college or in the military, we must give all qualified young people the opportunity to get an education. These determined and dedicated young people need the chance to become productive members of our society. Penalizing them hurts us all

Reportedly, criticisms about the DREAM Act from grassroots activists are addressed in the Senate version of the new bill that stipulates an age limit of 35 (up from 30) and both versions also allow states to give in-state tuition to students that would qualify.

Citizen Orange has been doing an incredible job this week of rolling out the actions online while students from DreamActivist, USSA and other groups lobbied Congress. Here are some things you can do to support the DREAM Act:

1. CALL - The National Council of La Raza has a page to help you call your congressional representatives in support of the DREAM Act.
http://capwiz.com/nclr/callalert/index.tt?alertid=12988601

2. FAX - America's Voice has a page to help you fax your congressional representatives in support of the DREAM Act.
http://americasvoiceonline.org/page/speakout/DaretoDream

3. EMAIL - Change.org has a page to help you email your congressional representatives in support of the DREAM Act.
http://www.change.org/ideas/932/view_action/ask_your_congressperson_to_support_the_dream_act

4. PETITION - Dreamactivist.org has the official petition in support of the DREAM Act.
http://dreamact2009.com/

5. TEXT - Text "Justice" ("Justicia" for Spanish) to 69866 to be the first to know when the DREAM Act is introduced.  FIRM's Mobile Action Network is an excellent way to stay connected and have maximum impact at just the right moment.
http://fairimmigration.wordpress.com/2009/03/20/action-join-the-fight-for-immigrant-rights/

6. Endorse the DREAM Act

We will be back with more news, actions and videos.

Prerna Lal
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