Dick Durbin

I believe that a basis in legislation is necessary to confer that kind of political authority.

This hearing of the Senate Judiciary Committee will come to order.

America is a Nation of immigrants.

It is morally reprehensible to deny these patriotic young men and women the opportunity to serve the country they love.

I told you it was an amazing story. They ought to make a movie out of it. In fact, they are and we look forward to seeing it.

Thank you. I am going to conclude this hearing by observing a couple of things.

I call on every Member of Congress, both parties, to reject this hateful, divisive rhetoric.

I cannot think of a person that has done more in the Senate, in the congress of the United States to advance the cause of young, immigrant youth in this country than Senator Durbin.

What has our Nation's experience been with these people?

Senator Durbin, thank you for inviting me to join you here today to discuss our mutual desire to develop a path to military service for Deferred Action for Childhood Arrival (DACA) recipients, an initiative that you have long championed.

Thank you, Senator Durbin, for your tireless efforts to win immigration reform, not just with these incredible efforts of the senate bill last year, but your continuing efforts to get the DREAM Act passed.

If Speaker Boehner gives us a vote, I am confident immigration reform will pass with a strong bipartisan majority.

It is simply poor policy to turn away these young men and women while we struggle to find qualified Americans, able and willing to serve.

If I can ask you this question, each year, how many men and women are recruited into our armed forces in the United States?

I am confident that DREAMers will soon have the chance to serve honorably in the Armed Forces and on that day, America will be stronger and better.

I do not question their patriotism. The Department does not question their patriotism. They have lived, died, fought, bled, sweat for our country.

the Department continues to be on the record and supports the development, relief, education for minor aliens at the DREAM Act; totally support it.

I hope you can persuade the House to pass immigration reform, not only for myself but for the rest of the immigrants.

Thank you again for the opportunity to testify.

Treasure this moment because this is a piece of history in the making and you are part of it.

Senator Durbin, I ask that you and the Congress act in 'all deliberate speed' to start bending that moral arc toward the direction of justice.

It takes a special person to make that decision in the first place, that they are going to take a step already beyond themselves to one of service.

Will America be a stronger country if we deport our Dreamers to countries they barely remember or if we allow them to contribute more fully to the country they love? The answer is clear.

if I were asked to hold a hearing anywhere in the United States to make my argument for allowing DREAMers to enlist and could bring only one witness, it would be Sergeant Vazquez.

Today, I again call on the Republican leadership of the House of Representatives to bring the Senate immigration reform bill to the floor of the House.