[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 51 (Wednesday, May 3, 2006)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E699]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         THE AMERICAN DREAM ACT

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. CHARLES B. RANGEL

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                         Wednesday, May 3, 2006

  Mr. RANGEL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of an article 
published in the New York Carib News urging passage of the ``American 
Dream Act''. This act has bipartisan support in Congress and it needs 
much more support so that it can be passed in the House. The act 
enables U.S.-raised immigrant students to go to college which will put 
them on the correct path toward citizenship.
  The National Council of La Raza (NCLR) is the largest national 
Hispanic civil rights and advocacy organization in the U.S., has 
expressed a great amount of support for this very important piece of 
legislation. There are many students in the country who have little to 
look forward to after high school. The article points out that every 
year 65,000 young people who are brought to the U.S. by their parents 
cannot seek higher education after high school due to their status as 
immigrants. That fact of life hinders them from further enjoying the 
wealth and opportunity of our Nation.
  I fully support the passage of this bill in the House. Passage of 
this bill will allow for talented students to have access to higher 
education, something they otherwise would not have. This will show our 
strong-willed commitment to offering the best opportunities for those 
that work hard. Everyone deserves an equal chance for an education.
  We cannot delay any longer the passage of this bill since graduation 
is just around the comer for many students. We need to further 
encourage our young people to achieve more and to better their lives 
and the lives of their families. Americans must understand that the 
power of the American Dream is that it is extended to all those who 
seek it. It shall be available today just as it was for their 
forbearers' centuries ago.
  I enter into the Record this article for highlighting the importance 
of an effective and comprehensive immigration reform policy. This 
country is about allowing all those who wish to work hard to advance 
their status the opportunity to do so. It should be in the best 
interest of our nation and the people to provide education to the 
children of immigrant families and to extend the same assistance that 
we would want extended to us in time of need.

 NCLR Supports ``The American Dream Act'' and Urges New Legislation To 
                       Improve Access to College

       Washington, DC--The National Council of La Raza (NCLR), the 
     largest national Hispanic civil rights and advocacy 
     organization in the U.S., expressed strong support to ``The 
     American Dream Act'' recently introduced in the U.S. House of 
     Representatives by Representatives Lincoln Diaz-Balart (R-
     FL), Howard Berman (D-CA), and Lucille Roybal-Allard (D-CA) . 
     . . This bipartisan legislation will enable U.S.-raised 
     immigrant students to go to college and start on the path to 
     citizenship.
       ``This bill will give thousands of young people who have 
     worked hard in school and have demonstrated a willingness to 
     contribute to this country the chance to follow their dreams 
     to college,'' stated Janet Murguia, NCLR President and CEO. 
     ``We are pleased that Republicans and Democrats on the Senate 
     Judiciary Committee came together to include the language of 
     the `DREAM Act' (S. 2075), which also broadens access to 
     college, as part of the immigration legislation now under 
     debate. We urge the House to follow the Senate's lead and 
     approve `The American Dream Act' as soon as possible.''
       Every year, 65,000 young people whose parents brought them 
     to the U.S. as babies or toddlers graduate from American high 
     schools. While they have the academic credentials to pursue a 
     higher education, their immigration status bars them from 
     opportunities that make a college education affordable--in-
     state tuition rates, loans and grants, most private 
     scholarships, and the ability to work legally to earn their 
     way through college. ``The American Dream Act'' and its 
     companion legislation in the Senate will significantly 
     increase access to college for talented young people who 
     otherwise would not be able to seek higher education.
       ``With graduation around the corner, Congress cannot delay 
     in passing this bill. Otherwise, high school will be the end 
     of the road for thousands of students who have worked hard in 
     school and aspire to contribute to our society as productive, 
     tax-paying workers. These young people are certain to add to 
     the great abundance and economic vitality of this country. 
     Congress must not fail these students and their families by 
     continuing to keep the doors to college and the American 
     Dream closed to them,'' concluded Murguia.

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