Barbara Lee Statement on Senate Failure to Pass the DREAM Act
For Immediate Release
December 18, 2010
Contact: Nicole Y. Williams
(202) 225-2661
Washington, DC - Today, Congresswoman Barbara Lee (D-Oakland) released this statement following the defeat of the DREAM Act by Senate Republicans. This legislation would have offered a path to legalization to immigrant minors who were brought to our country by their undocumented parents. DREAM Act applicants would have obtained conditional status only if they met certain requirements, such as arriving in the U.S. at age 15 or younger, living in the U.S. for 5 years before the bill’s enactment, earning a high school degree or being admitted to an institution of higher learning:
“It is incredibly disappointing that Senate Republicans, during this holiday season, did not see fit to stand up on behalf of the more than 800,000 children and young people looking to make better lives for themselves through the passage of the DREAM Act.
“Instead of passing this bill that is so vital to the future of our country, Senate Republicans have chosen to turn the dreams of these young people into nightmares.
“I plan to continue to fight for these young people because it is morally right and just. It is in our national interest and it reflects the best of our American values.”
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