[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 160 (Tuesday, December 7, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2077]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 LETICIA M. DIAZ: STRENGTHENING AMERICA

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. ALAN GRAYSON

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, December 7, 2010

  Mr. GRAYSON. Madam Speaker, I would like to bring attention to an 
article written by Leticia M. Diaz at Barry University entitled 
``Strengthening America.'' Dr. Diaz, who holds a PhD and a JD from 
Rutgers University, is the Dean of the Barry University Dwayne O. 
Andreas School of Law in Orlando and a member of the advisory committee 
for the newly formed American Bar Association Commission on Hispanic 
Legal Rights and Responsibilities.

                         Strengthening America

                          (By Leticia M. Diaz)

       Like millions of others, I came to America with my 
     immigrant parents. Seizing on the opportunities and access to 
     superior education offered by this country allowed me to not 
     only achieve the American dream, but to give back to this 
     nation.
       My story is far from unique. Like the immigrants before me, 
     I came to the United States to seek the freedom and the 
     opportunities unavailable in the country of my birth. 
     Comprised of a vast immigrant population, the United States 
     matured and expanded as a result of the great Irish and 
     Chinese immigrations of the 1800s along with many newcomers 
     from Europe over the years. These immigrants provided much of 
     the labor force that built the infrastructure as our country 
     grew into a world power. Over the years, my family and 
     millions of other immigrants worked hard to make America into 
     a strong, productive, and dynamic nation.
       Today, tens of thousands of young adults stand ready to 
     give back to the country they call home. By opening the door 
     to educational advancement or military service, the DREAM 
     (Development, Relief, and Education for Alien Minors) Act 
     before Congress benefits those youngsters who, as children, 
     accompanied their parents to the United States. But without 
     passage of the DREAM Act, these young people--who have 
     already proven themselves in our schools and communities--
     face a very uncertain future.
       The DREAM Act would grant legal status to young adults 
     brought to the United States as undocumented immigrant 
     children. The rigorous requirements under the Act ensure that 
     only contributing members of society who have already proven 
     themselves to be law-abiding citizens and dedicated students 
     would enjoy the benefits of the Act.
       The stringent criterion prescribed by the DREAM Act ensures 
     that the floodgates to illegal immigration will remain 
     closed. Instead, the Act addresses the issue of young, 
     undocumented children who have grown up in this country and 
     excelled in school. As they seek to enlist in the military or 
     continue their education and launch their careers, these 
     motivated pro-American youngsters continue to run into 
     unreasonable roadblocks. The DREAM Act prudently addresses 
     those hurdles.
       All members of society will benefit from the DREAM Act, not 
     just a select few. Everyone wins when we educate the youth of 
     tomorrow, encourage them to achieve their career goals, and 
     motivate them to become productive citizens of our great 
     country. As an educator and a person who was born in Cuba and 
     immigrated at an early age, I am foremost an American who 
     recognizes the importance of providing access to education to 
     those who are truly committed to learning and personal 
     growth.
       As Americans, we have a moral obligation to address the 
     immigration issues facing our country. The DREAM Act would be 
     a great start to much-needed reform. As such, we urge 
     Congress to pass the DREAM Act, blazing a trail for these 
     young adults to become valuable, contributing members of the 
     United States as they deserve.

  Madam Speaker, I strongly encourage my colleagues to bring the DREAM 
Act to the floor for immediate consideration.

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