Immigration
The DREAM Act
The DREAM Act would benefit many capable students by allowing undocumented immigrant children to qualify for in-state college tuition and financial aid. These students are and will continue to be members of our communities, and should not be penalized for their parents’ failure to abide by immigration laws. This legislation would ensure that undocumented students are able to become productive, contributing members of society.
The DREAM Act would amend the Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act of 1996 to repeal the denial of an unlawful alien's eligibility for higher education benefits based on State residence, unless a U.S. national is similarly eligible without regard to State residence. I am co-sponsor of this bill and I was a supporter when it cleared the full House for a vote. The State of Texas has a Local DREAM Act.
On December 8, 2010; the DREAM Act passed 216-198 in the U.S. House of Representatives. Unfortunately, on December 18, 2010, the Senate rejected the DREAM Act on a vote of 55-41, shy of the 60 supporters needed. I am hopeful this legislation will be introduced in the 112th Congress.