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Petition: Tell Your Senator To Pass the DREAM Act Before the New Congress

Posted November 15, 2010 by Patrick Young, Esq.

The lame duck session of Congress starts today. After an attempt to pass the DREAM Act failed in September, Harry Reid promised that he would try to pass the legislation once again during this final chapter of the reigning Democratic Congress. Nancy Pelosi’s office has been reportedly meeting with Reid’s people to plan a fast-track strategy to bring the bill, which would provide a path to legalization for young people who attend college or enlist in the military, to a quick vote in both houses.

The last time the bill was voted on, it failed by just three senators. We hope that some of the bill’s previous supporters, like Republicans Orrin Hatch (R-Utah), Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), Jon Kyl (R-Ariz.), and John Cornyn (R-Tex.), can be prevailed upon to vote for the measure now that election-year politics are out of the way. Immigrant advocates also think that Democrat Blanche Lincoln, who may have voted against the DREAM Act as a vain gesture to try to save her Senate seat, may be more willing to vote for immigrant kids now that she is a true lame duck.

Immigrant groups from around the country are calling on their supporters to pressure Congress to not let the DREAM Act die.  Frank Sharry of America’s Voice recently spoke to why the timing for the DREAM Act may be right:

The measure has been around for a decade, and there’s no reason why Democrats and Republicans shouldn’t come together to pass it now. The DREAM Act would give high-achieving young people – immigrants who have been raised here, worked hard in school, and want to pursue higher education and/or serve in the U.S. military – a chance to achieve the American Dream and earn their citizenship.

There is a lot you can do to help this bill pass. First, call Harry Reid and remind him of his promise. Here is his number: 866-877-5552. Next, sign this petition for the DREAM Act. Finally, come back to Long Island Wins every few days and check in for action alerts and news updates related to the legislation.

Image courtesy of the Center for American Progress Action Fund via Flickr.

Tags : congress, dream act, harry reid, immigration reform, lame duck, petition, senate

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