Political Quotes

“11 years ago, I introduced the DREAM Act, which is legislation that would allow a select group of immigrant students with great potential to contribute more fully to America. The DREAM Act is not an amnesty bill. It would give students a chance to earn legal status in America, and there are standards they would have to live up to: No. 1, they came to the United States as children; No. 2, they have been long-term U.S. residents; No. 3, they have good moral character; No. 4, they have graduated from high school; No. 5, they either serve in America's military or complete 2 years of college. The DREAM Act also includes important restrictions to prevent abuse. Under the DREAM Act, no one would be eligible for Pell grants or any other Federal grants when they go to school. Individuals who commit fraud under the DREAM Act, who lie, misrepresent their status, would be subject to tough fines and criminal penalties, including a prison sentence of up to 2 years. It is serious. No one would be eligible for the DREAM Act unless they arrived in the United States at least 5 years before the bill becomes a law. There is no exception and no waiver for this requirement. My colleague from Florida, Senator Marco Rubio, on the Republican side of the aisle, said in a recent speech that the DREAM Act is not an immigration issue, it is a humanitarian issue. I might add that I think it is an issue of justice.…”