GOP shows no interest in DREAM Act

[The Northerner]

Democrats hoped that the first ever Senate hearing focused on a bill that would legalize some children of illegal immigrants would help sway Republicans to embrace the legislation. Judging from Tuesday's testimony, Democrats still have a long way to go.

The DREAM Act, or the Development, Relief and Education for Alien Minors Act, provides legal residency and the eventual chance for illegal immigrants brought to the U.S. as children to become citizens. These immigrants, under the proposed law, could become citizens if they maintain a clean criminal record, graduate from high school and plan on attending college or joining the military.

The bill passed the Democratic-controlled House of Representatives in December, but fell short of the 60 votes necessary to clear the Senate. Now with a GOP-controlled House, the bill faces a tougher road, and Republicans didn't seem to budge on Tuesday.

GOP Sens. John Cornyn of Texas and Chuck Grassley of Iowa questioned officials with the Obama administration over several aspects of the bill.

Cornyn questioned the depth of the criminal background check required for prospective DREAM Act beneficiaries, and worried that passing it would encourage more people to illegally enter the U.S., since they would assume that Congress would save them down the road.

Read more: http://content.usatoday.com/communities/onpolitics/post/2011/06/gop-shows-no-interest-in-dream-act/1

[housewolf]

1. Of course they don't support anything t hat helps individuals

They'd rather play with defense can build more fences to keep people out, beef up armed guards along the borders and put more money into prosecution and deportation.

But do something that will help individuals, even those who were brought here by parents or relatives as young ages and who've lived here nearly all their lives, who have been successful in school and are well-prepared to contribute to the country as a whole - no way will they help.

[applegrove]

2. Obama needs to make immigration an election issue in 2012.

[Name removed]

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