Political Quotes

On the recordDecember 8, 2011
it has been 10 years since I introduced the DREAM Act, legislation that will allow a select group of immigrant students with great potential to contribute to America. The DREAM Act would give these students a chance to become legal in America. They came to the United States as children. They have to be long-term residents of our country, have good moral character, graduate from high school, and complete 2 years of college or military service in good standing. Those are the basic standards we apply. I think if we enacted the DREAM Act, as I have tried to for many years, it would make America a stronger country, giving these talented young immigrants a chance to serve in our military and make us a stronger nation. Tens of thousands of highly qualified, well-educated young people would enlist in the Armed Forces if the DREAM Act becomes law. We have the support of the Department of Defense and the President. They understand that these young people could make us a stronger and safer nation by serving in our military. And they are willing. Many of them are willing to risk their lives for this country. Studies have also found that these DREAM Act participants could literally build our economy in years to come with their talent. Remember, these students we are talking about were brought to America as children and as infants. They grew up here believing they were Americans.…
Said by
Dick Durbin
Democratic · Illinois
Source
govinfo.gov
Dec 8, 2011

Share

More from Dick Durbin

Aug 29, 2026

Courtrooms handling upwards of 150 respondents in a judge’s morning docket raise serious concerns about whether individuals are receiving a meaningful opportunity to be heard.

durbin.senate.gov
Aug 25, 2026

Students need to be careful. You can’t go wrong starting with City Colleges and community colleges in your community… I beg my young students in Illinois to start there, and counselors to do their job and discourage kids from getting…

durbin.senate.gov
Aug 14, 2026

It was a grave mistake for the Senate to approve Todd Blanche as the next Attorney General.

durbin.senate.gov
Aug 17, 2026

Five years at $200 million amounts to $1 billion… it represents 48 hours in the war in Iran.

durbin.senate.gov

Other voices in this conversation