On the recordSeptember 22, 2010
one of the many values that make America so great is that no matter where we start off from in life we believe that we all deserve to have a shot at the American dream. We all deserve an opportunity to work hard, support our families, and give back to the Nation that has been there for us all of our lives. This is an American value I cherish. It is one I feel very strongly we ought to maintain and strengthen. And it is why I stand here today to talk about the DREAM Act, which would help us do exactly that. The amendment we proposed was a narrowly tailored piece of legislation that was developed with Democrats and Republicans working together. And I was extremely disappointed that Senate Republicans refused to even allow us to begin debate on this critical issue. The DREAM Act would give a select group of undocumented students the chance to become permanent residents if they came to this country as children, are long-term U.S. residents, have good moral character, and attend college for at least 2 years or enlist in the military. Under this bill, tens of thousands of well-qualified potential recruits would become eligible for military service for the first time. These are young people who love our country and are eager to serve in the Armed Forces during a time of war. And the DREAM Act would add a very strong incentive for them to enlist by providing a path to permanent legal status.
