U.S. Senate to consider 'DREAM' Act today

U.S. Senate to consider 'DREAM' Act today

The U.S. Senate is expected to consider legislation Tuesday, Sept. 21 that could allow up to 2.1 million illegal immigrants to be given a path toward citizenship.

According to a Washington Post report, "The controversial measure is being pushed by Senate Majority Leader Harry M. Reid (D-Nev.), who bypassed usual Senate procedures by including it in a defense reauthorization bill. Opponents consider the Dream Act a form of amnesty and have accused Reid and other Democrats of using it to appeal to Hispanic voters, an important constituency, as the midterm elections approach. Supporters, who include retired Gen. Colin L. Powell and other military officials, have argued that the measure is long overdue, humane and practical."

If passed and signed into law, the DREAM (Development, Relief and Education for Alien Minors Act) would open the door to citizenship for illegal immigrants younger than 36 who arrived in the U.S. as children, have lived here for five years or more, and are contributing to the country by attending college or serving in the military.

As many as 2.1 million of the approximately 11 million illegal immigrants in the U.S. could be eligible for legalization under such criteria, the Post said.

The U.S. Senate is expected to consider legislation Tuesday, Sept. 21 that could allow up to 2.1 million illegal immigrants to be given a path toward citizenship.

According to a Washington Post report, "The controversial measure is being pushed by Senate Majority Leader Harry M. Reid (D-Nev.), who bypassed usual Senate procedures by including it in a defense reauthorization bill. Opponents consider the Dream Act a form of amnesty and have accused Reid and other Democrats of using it to appeal to Hispanic voters, an important constituency, as the midterm elections approach. Supporters, who include retired Gen. Colin L. Powell and other military officials, have argued that the measure is long overdue, humane and practical."

If passed and signed into law, the DREAM (Development, Relief and Education for Alien Minors Act) would open the door to citizenship for illegal immigrants younger than 36 who arrived in the U.S. as children, have lived here for five years or more, and are contributing to the country by attending college or serving in the military.

As many as 2.1 million of the approximately 11 million illegal immigrants in the U.S. could be eligible for legalization under such criteria, the Post said.

Reid's opponents in the Senate minority say the bill could create an official path to Democratic voter registration for an estimated 2 million college-age illegal aliens.