Harry Reid has all sorts of surprises up his sleeve. First, he includes the language on repealing DADT in the Defense Appropriations Bill. Now, he is including the DREAM Act in the Defense Appropriations Bill.
From the Washington Independent:
Good news for DREAM Act supporters: Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.) announced today the act will be added as an amendment to the defense authorization bill. The bill would provide paths to citizenship for some undocumented students who came to the U.S. as children.
Reid had previously expressed doubt that he could find the votes to pass the act, but at a stakeout today seemed confident it could pass as part of the defense authorization bill.
The DREAM Act has the following provisions:
The purpose of the Development, Relief and Education of Alien Minors Act, also called the DREAM Act, is to help those individuals who meet certain requirements, have an opportunity to enlist in the military or go to college and have a path to citizenship which they otherwise would not have without this legislation. Supporters of the DREAM Act believe it is vital not only to the people who would benefit from it, but also the United States as a whole. It would give an opportunity to undocumented immigrant students who have been living in the U.S. since they were young, a chance to contribute back to the country that has given so much to them and a chance to utilize their hard earned education and talents.
The following is a list of specific requirements one would need in order to qualify for the current version of the DREAM Act.
* Must have entered the United States before the age of 16 (i.e. 15 and younger)
* Must have been present in the United States for at least five (5) consecutive years prior to enactment of the bill
* Must have graduated from a United States high school, or have obtained a GED, or have been accepted into an institution of higher education (i.e. college/university)
* Must be between the ages of 12 and 35 at the time of application
* Must have good moral character
The vote is scheduled for next week. Please reach out to your Senators and encourage them to vote yes on this amendment (and the repeal of DADT).
Updated with toll-free numbers to contact the Senate (h/t to ParkRanger):
1-866-338-1015
1-866-220-0044
1-866-311-3405