[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 172 (Tuesday, December 21, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2219]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




     H.R. 5281, DEVELOPMENT, RELIEF, AND EDUCATION FOR ALIEN MINORS

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. GEORGE MILLER

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, December 21, 2010

  Mr. GEORGE MILLER of California. Madam Speaker, I rise today in 
support of the DREAM Act.
  This is common sense, bipartisan legislation that is a win for our 
economy.
  First, in this economy, we need the best, the brightest, the most 
capable and the most qualified to be a part of the American workforce.
  This legislation will allow a limited group of very capable, high 
achieving young people to help contribute to the economic well-being of 
this country.
  These are young people who didn't come to this country through their 
own free choice.
  But, they are young people who have worked hard to graduate high 
school or obtain a GED.
  These are young people who have contributed to their communities and 
to this country.
  If we turn our backs on these students, then we're turning our backs 
on a qualified and competitive workforce.
  Second, Madam Speaker, simply put, this legislation is the right 
thing to do.
  Critics who argue that the DREAM Act would diminish opportunities for 
students in this country with full citizenship must not know anything 
about our colleges and universities.
  Our Nation's higher education institutions have the capacity to 
welcome these students, as many already do, without closing the door 
for other students.
  This Congress has passed historic legislation to increase college 
access and opportunity for all students.
  The bill before us today continues to provide that access to a higher 
education not only by providing these students a path to citizenship, 
but allowing them access to critical student aid through loans and 
work-study.
  The financial cost of a higher education is too often a barrier to 
attending higher education.
  It is critical that this bill ensures access to student aid, and 
gives students a chance at affording a higher education.
  It is important to note that this bill allows students to enter into 
a conditional nonimmigrant status for an initial period of 5 years, 
which shall be extended for an additional five years as long as they 
have fulfilled all requirements for extension.
  After 10 years in this conditional status, eligible students may 
apply for lawful permanent residence. Once applicants receive 
conditional non-immigrant status, DREAM Act participants, like lawful 
permanent residents and unlike many nonimmigrants, are considered to be 
residing in the United States lawfully without being required to 
maintain a residence outside the U.S. or have an intent to leave the 
U.S. As such, conditional nonimmigrants under the DREAM Act should be 
considered as' residents of the states that they reside in when 
considering tuition rates at public institutions of higher education, 
as long as they meet all other residency requirements for in-state 
tuition.
  By passing this legislation, we can reward smart, civic-minded, goal-
oriented students and provide access to the American dream.
  Let's not punish students and the future of this country.
  I urge all of my colleagues to support this bill.

                          ____________________