[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 52 (Thursday, March 26, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E801]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 INTRODUCTION OF THE AMERICAN DREAM ACT

                                 ______
                                 

                       HON. LUCILLE ROYBAL-ALLARD

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, March 26, 2009

  Ms. ROYBAL-ALLARD. Madam Speaker, I rise today to join my colleague 
Representative Howard Berman in introducing the American Dream Act, a 
bill that would enable thousands of ambitious young people to attend 
college and fulfill their God-given potential.
  The Act is the product of Congressman Berman's tireless efforts on 
behalf of undocumented students. Recognizing the senselessness of 
wasting their promise, we worked together to craft this crucial 
legislation, which stands as a testament to his commitment to fighting 
for the most vulnerable Americans. I commend him for his leadership on 
this important issue and thank him for his friendship.
  The Act's premise is simple and just: Undocumented students deserve 
the same opportunities as the 2.8 million others who graduate from this 
country's high schools every year. We cannot afford to waste our 
investments in these talented, motivated young people who are products 
of our schools and our communities. Indeed, in this era of 
globalization, America will struggle to maintain its competitive 
advantage if we continue to deprive some of our most promising students 
the chance to earn a college education.
  The American Dream Act offers a prudent, equitable solution to the 
challenges that undocumented students face in attempting to gain 
admission to our colleges and universities. First, it provides a path 
to legalization and citizenship to students who entered the U.S. before 
the age of 16, have lived here for 5 years, and have completed two 
years of higher education or military service. Second, because they 
often face severe economic hardships, the bill also eliminates a 
federal provision that discourages states from allowing undocumented 
students to pay in-state tuition.
  The fight to fix a policy that squanders the intellectual gifts of so 
many is part of a much wider struggle. Our immigration system is 
broken. It divides families, enables the persecution of workers and 
denies immigrants basic legal protections. The American Dream Act is a 
critical component of comprehensive immigration reform. As we work with 
President Obama's administration over the coming months to overhaul our 
immigration system, we should ensure that The American Dream Act is a 
critical component of our plans.
  The millions of high school students who comprise the Class of 2009 
are mere months away from graduation. Among them are thousands of kids 
who have the potential to become doctors, lawyers and even members of 
Congress but face insurmountable legal obstacles. We have a moral 
obligation to remove these impediments so that all of our young people 
can accomplish their goals. Moreover, this nation cannot afford to 
waste the investment we have already made in these young people and 
inhibit their potential by denying them the opportunity to earn a 
college degree. Please join me in supporting the American Dream Act.