On the recordDecember 7, 2010
Opponents of the DREAM Act claim the bill is amnesty. The DREAM Act is not amnesty. The DREAM Act is justice. "Amnesty" is defined as a government pardon. But how can you be pardoned if you have done nothing wrong? These children followed their parents to a land of greater opportunity, having no choice and no say in how they arrived. They grew up here, went to school here, and now want to serve the United States. But make no mistake, these students will not have it easy. They will have to work hard, wait an entire decade, and continue to prove they meet all of the criteria for a green card, much less citizenship. They must pay back taxes, be able to read, write, and speak English, and show knowledge of the United States. And when they have done all of that, they will finally be allowed to pursue their dreams. That is justice--the American way.
