Political Quotes

On the recordDecember 8, 2010
DREAM Act youth are not criminals and bear no responsibility for the actions of adults who brought them here illegally as children. Raised in the United States, they have the same American values and love of our country as children born here. Sadly, because of the actions of others, they live in fear of deportation from the only home they know. The DREAM Act, which is not amnesty, will help correct this unfairness. With stringent criteria to qualify for legal status and a 10-year requirement toward earned citizenship, the bill would remove impediments so our country can benefit from their talents and enhanced contributions to our country. In fact, a recent UCLA study found DREAM-eligible students have the potential to earn $1.4 trillion in additional income that could help fuel our country's economic growth over the next four decades. Mr. Speaker, we are a country that values children, not one that punishes them for the wrongdoing of their elders. Yet that is exactly what is happening to these children today. I urge my colleagues to support the DREAM Act.
Said by
Lucille Roybal-Allard
California

Editor's note · Context

The speaker is advocating for the DREAM Act and addressing the plight of undocumented youth.

Share

More from Lucille Roybal-Allard

Dec 17, 2019

I want to begin by thanking the Ranking Member of the Homeland Security Appropriations Subcommittee, Mr. Fleischmann, for his professionalism and partnership in putting this bill together. I don't believe either one of us is satisfied with…

govinfo.gov
Mar 26, 2019

I have the honor of serving as chairwoman of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Homeland Security. The subcommittee is charged with overseeing the funding of our Nation's longest continuous seagoing service, the United States Coast…

govinfo.gov
Jan 16, 2019

In closing, in the meantime, I will work with him and the other members of the California delegation in pursuing this matter with the administration on this reasonable and much-needed adjustment within its existing authority.

govinfo.gov
Jun 8, 2022

We have a gun epidemic which is unique to America. As a mother and grandmother, like the rest of the nation, I am heartbroken by the horrifying killings of innocent Americans, especially our children. In 2021, homicides hit a 15 year high…

govinfo.gov

Other voices in this conversation