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For Immediate Release: Thursday, October 25, 2007
Contact: Cheryl Aguilar 202-339-9316
Washington, DC – Yesterday, the United States Senate fell short of 60 votes needed to consider the DREAM Act, a measure that would provide an earned path to citizenship for talented young immigrants who have lived in the United States, and want to attend college and serve in the military. In the end, 52 Senators voted for the procedural motion to move ahead on a debate on the DREAM Act. Only 44 Senators voted against.
Statement by the Fair Immigration Reform Movement:
“The Fair Immigration Reform Movement is disappointed and angered that the Senate failed to move forward on the DREAM Act, a measure that would create an earned path to citizenship for undocumented youth who have grown up in this country, have no other home to return to, and have so much to contribute to this nation. The fact that a majority of the Senate supports the DREAM Act is an important reminder that even in a political environment where immigrants are scapegoated and demonized and many Senators lack the courage to do what's right, common sense can prevail.
“These youth are valuable members of our communities and an important part of our nation's future. Americans will stand up for what is best for our nation and have recognized how policies of isolation hurt the productivity, diversity and success that is central to our society. The DREAM Act, and the youth whose dreams and aspirations it represents, will have future opportunities in this Congress. We are committed to ensuring that the dreams of our nation's youth, and the aspirations of all of our communities, will prevail.”
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Since 1968, The Center for Community Change has strengthened the leadership, voice and power of low-income communities nationwide to confront the vital issues of today and build the social movements of tomorrow. FIRM (Fair Immigration Reform Movement) is the uniting voice of the grassroots movement nationwide advocating for comprehensive immigration reform and the civil rights of immigrants.
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