[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 161 (Wednesday, December 8, 2010)]
[House]
[Page H8094]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                             THE DREAM ACT

  (Mr. ORTIZ asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 
minute.)
  Mr. ORTIZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise to offer my unconditional and complete 
support for the American DREAM Act.
  This bill is intended to address the situation faced by such young 
people among us who were brought to the United States years ago as 
undocumented immigrant children. In fact, some of these children didn't 
even know that they were born in a foreign country.
  These children have grown up and stayed here, stayed in school. They 
kept out of trouble. They dream of becoming a full-fledged American, 
but are prevented from doing so because they lack the legal status. The 
American DREAM Act would provide an avenue for these young people to 
acquire legal status, pursue a college degree or join the military, and 
give back to the communities and to the country that they consider 
home.
  I've worked with these students. I represent a border State. These 
children are intelligent. They're smart and, not only that, they love 
this country.
  As a veteran and as a member of the House Armed Services Committee, I 
recognize the benefits that the DREAM Act can bring to this Nation. And 
I would ask my colleagues to support this bill. This is a good bill.

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