GOP LEADERS MUST ALLOW VOTE ON DREAM ACT

“Senate Republicans that stated that they would not vote on any legislation until an extension of the Bush tax cuts were passed are using the tax issue to hold hostage the DREAM Act and other important legislation critical to our community,” said Lillian Rodriguez Lopez, President of the Hispanic Federation.  “We are urging our 100 member organizations and the millions of Latinos they represent to call on Republicans and other members of Congress to demand that the Dream Act be brought to a full vote.”

The DREAM Act is a bipartisan measure that historically had the support of both Democrats and Republicans.  Some of the nation’s best and brightest students face a bleak future, because their immigration status prevents them from pursuing educational and employment opportunities. Passing the DREAM Act will provide deserved opportunities for thousands of young people and allow the U.S. to benefit from the economic and social contributions of immigrant youth. An overwhelming majority of Americans, including Latinos support the DREAM Act, and Latino voters are increasingly vital to electoral victories in this country.

“For too long we have denied the DREAM students the right to fulfill their promise and fully contribute to the strengthening of our nation. Holding hostage this and other legislation that is imperative to our nation is not fulfilling the obligation that the American people expect from our elected leaders.  I want members of both parties in Congress to have the opportunity to cast their vote on legislation that reflects and fulfills the ‘American DREAM’”, Rodriguez-Lopez concluded.