Donald M. Payne: “The DREAM Act would not only benefit undocumented students, but it would benefit the country as well. It is estimated…”

“The DREAM Act would not only benefit undocumented students, but it would benefit the country as well. It is estimated that about 65,000 undocumented students graduate from high school after living in the United States for at least 5 years. Unfortunately, because of current law, only five to 10 percent of these students attend college. The remaining 90 to 95 percent remain unable to find employment appropriate to their level of academic potential, and become victims of the criminal justice and social welfare system. Earlier this year, my home State of New Jersey passed a State version of this law recognizing that these students deserve to be rewarded for their hard work and allowed opportunity just as their peers. Furthermore, acknowledging the fact that more than 40 percent of the State's scientists and engineers with advanced degrees were foreign born in 2006, the economic benefit was taken into account. It was understood that, beyond this measure being morally just, it is an economic measure as well. I ask that we support the DREAM Act.”