FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 8, 2010
Contact:
Paco Fabián
(202) 785-1670
Vote is a watershed moment for Latinos
Washington, DC—Today, both chambers of the United States Congress are due to vote on the “Development, Relief, and Education for Alien Minors (DREAM) Act.” If passed, this sensible piece of legislation will provide undocumented kids who have grown up in this country with the opportunity to achieve conditional legal status and eventually earn the ability to apply for citizenship if they attend college or serve in the military.
The following is a statement from Janet Murguía, President and CEO of NCLR (National Council of La Raza), the largest national Latino civil rights and advocacy organization in the United States.
“For Latinos, the fastest-growing segment of the nation’s electorate, the ‘DREAM Act’ vote is a defining moment. For one, a significant number of youth affected by this legislation are Latino. But more importantly, Congress can use this vote to protect the futures of innocent children and preserve the future of this country. This issue is near and dear to Latinos. While the majority of Hispanics in the U.S. are citizens, we are keenly aware of the devastating effects of congressional inaction on immigration reform. America cannot afford to lose another generation of young people who stand to contribute to its economic and social prosperity.
“Beneficiaries of the ‘DREAM Act’ will contribute at least one trillion dollars to the American economy over the course of their lifetimes, according to a recent study. Moreover, the Congressional Budget Office finds that enacting the ‘DREAM Act’ would reduce the deficit by $1.4 billion dollars over ten years. Our military supports the ‘DREAM Act,’ and it is part of the Department of Defense's 2010–2012 Strategic Plan to assist the military in its recruiting efforts. Members of the business, faith, and labor communities also support this legislation. Polls show that the majority of the American public supports the measure and is looking to Congress for solutions. It has been supported by members of both sides of the aisle before, and we have an opportunity to see it pass this week.
“The time for excuses is over. The ‘DREAM Act’ has been around for over a decade and has been debated and supported by members of both parties. It’s time for a vote, and excuses will not hide which members choose not to stand for innocent children; Latinos will remember those members who vote for America’s future, and those who neglect to take a stand.”
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