Russ Feingold: “I strongly support the DREAM Act. This bill would give promising children, who played no part in their parents' decision…”

“I strongly support the DREAM Act. This bill would give promising children, who played no part in their parents' decision to come to this country illegally, the chance to earn legal status through college attendance or military service. Some of my colleagues have suggested that this bill constitutes amnesty. But the term 'amnesty' implies that these children did something wrong and are being absolved of the consequences of their actions. It is difficult to imagine how these children can be blamed for actions that their parents took when the children were too young to have any say. The United States does not visit the sins of parents on their children in other contexts and should not do so here. Furthermore, to call the bill 'amnesty' ignores the fact that these children would be required to earn their legal status through academic achievement or military service. The children who would be granted legal status under the DREAM Act are those who have shown through their actions that they can make an important contribution to our country. At a time when our economy and our military are in need, turning these children away squanders a valuable resource. It also leaves these children in a permanent limbo, as many of them have little or no knowledge of the country from which their parents came and have known no home other than the United States.”