Hispanic State Legislators Call for Passage of the DREAM Act

WASHINGTON, Dec. 7, 2010 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The National Hispanic Caucus of State Legislators (NHCSL) calls upon the U.S. Congress to pass the DREAM Act and create a path to citizenship for immigrant students who were brought to the United States early in their lives, through no illegal action of their own. "The DREAM Act brings immigrant youth out of the shadows – it allows young people who are exemplars in academics or military service, who have known no other life than as an American, an opportunity to fully participate in American civic and economic life," said Senator Iris Y. Martinez (IL), NHCSL President.

The DREAM Act, supported in previous Congresses, by NHCSL resolutions, and carrying bipartisan support in Congress for many years, supports American business by growing the economy and tax base, enhancing the recruitment pool for the U.S. military and providing an opportunity for students to realize the dream of college attendance following the investments already made in K-12 education.

"The DREAM Act is good policy for young people living as Americans, and who would be foreigners in their country of origin. The law's beneficiaries are American in culture and in loyalty to this country – and should have an opportunity to participate fully in the American dream," said Representative Roberto Alonzo (TX) Chair, NHCSL International Trade and Immigration Task Force.  

The non-partisan Congressional Budget Office found in its analysis that passage of the DREAM Act will increase revenue by $2.3 billion and slash the deficit by $1.4 billion over the next ten years – a boom to the U.S. economy in finding growth following recession.

About NHCSL

The NHCSL is the premier national association of Hispanic state legislators working to design and implement policies and procedures that will improve the quality of life for Hispanics throughout the country. NHCSL was founded in 1989 as a nonpartisan, nonprofit 501(c)3 with the mission to be the most effective voice for the more than 300 Hispanic legislators. For more information visit www.nhcsl.org.

SOURCE NHCSL-National Hispanic Caucus of State Legislators