D-DAY March 26th: A NEW DREAM IS BORN

From Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid's (D-NV) Office:

I applaud Sen. Durbin for standing up once more for an idea that economically benefits our nation and that is smart and fair.

I once met a young woman in Lyon County, Nevada, who was brought to the United States at a very young age and had been here since she could remember. She was the smartest girl in her class and wanted to go to college, but had no options because she had no legal immigration status. Her potential was probably not realized and our country lost the contribution this smart young woman could have made to our economy and her community.

For many of these young people, America is the only homeland they know. Giving them the opportunity to educate themselves, or to defend our country, is good for them and for our nation. This law would grant these children temporary status while they go to college or serve in the Armed Forces. If they graduate or serve honorably, and stay out of trouble, they would be eligible for a green card and eventually for citizenship.

This bill is one step in fixing our broken immigration system. We need comprehensive reform that is tough, fair and practical. We need to secure our northern and southern borders; we need to ensure that every work has legal authorization to work; and we need to require the estimated 12 million undocumented immigrants in this country to come out of the shadows, register with the government and apply for legal status, pay taxes and fines, learn English, and stay out of trouble.

The DREAM Act is a very important first step. I thank Sen. Durbin for his work on this important piece of legislation, and I will continue to be a strong advocate for it in the Senate.
Harry Reid (26 March 2009)

And so there you have it folks!
Today we were able to witness what a strong will power, and how much support we have behind us this time around.

The DREAM Act has finally been introduced in this session of Congress, and I assure you that the efforts will keep pushing for its enactment this time around as well. There have been countless efforts, and sleepless nights from many DREAM advocates who have made this possible; at this time, I would like to thank each and everyone one of you who have made this possible.

It is because of all our our DREAMs, hopes, and fighting spirits that we are able to put a face and voice to the issue.

As usual, MD and myself will continue to supply our readers with the latest information as to any new developments that come in the next days.

Thanks to all the advocates, activists, organizations, Senators and Representatives alike who have given their full commitment and support to the issue. There ought to be a list that names each and everyone of of you, but you know who you are and deep down inside I thank you.