Six weeks before the general elections, it seems that more often than not politics takes precendence over the common good. Senate Republicans voted Tuesday to filibuster a comprehensive defense authorization bill that would have vastly improved higher educational opportunities for children of illegal immigrants. The “Development, Relief and Education for Alien Minors” Act, attached to the same bill that included legislation to repeal “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell,” fell victim to a partisan Congress playing politics in an election year. At a time when the United States needs to rejuvenate and reinvent its workforce, Congress cannot afford to deny thousands of students with excellent grades and the ambition the opportunity to pursue higher education.
The DREAM act would give children of illegal immigrants access to student loans, scholarships, and reduced resident tuition rates. One of the students who would benefit if this legislation passes is a Georgetown senior, Juan Gomez (MSB’11). Gomez came to the United States with his parents almost 20 years ago. He graduated near the top of his high school class in Miami, and after intense lobbying, Gomez was given a place at Georgetown. Juan’s success on the Hilltop is a good example of why this bill needs to be passed as soon as possible.
Children of illegal immigrants did not choose to come to the United States illegally. Nevertheless, every year 65,000 students graduate from high school with a limited economic future and no way to pursue a higher education. The proposed law would allow many children of illegal immigrants to qualify for six years of “conditional permanent residency” if they enroll in college or enlist in the military.
When the DREAM act is reintroduced during the lame duck session in December, Republican senators should support it for the good of the country. This bill levels the playing field so that those who have done nothing wrong can have a chance to better themselves and the nation. The DREAM act is an important step towards helping dedicated students like Juan Gomez instead of condemning them with the label of illegal alien.
