Donald M. Payne: “Recently, I met with a group of engineering and nursing students from Rutgers University. These young people have worked…”

“Recently, I met with a group of engineering and nursing students from Rutgers University. These young people have worked hard to get an education so they can help communities in need, but they came to the Nation's Capital asking for help that only Congress can provide. These bright young minds are not U.S. citizens; they are what we call DREAMers. Each day that passes without Congress voting on the Dream Act darkens their futures. Like the 20,000 other DREAMers in my district, these are young people who fear that they will be detained and deported to places they have never seen or known before. Mr. Speaker, the holiday season is supposed to be a time of joy and celebration, not fear and uncertainty. I implore my colleagues to honor the wishes of the American people and do the right thing by history. Let us finally pass the Dream Act. ____________________”