Norton Hails Passage of DREAM Act

Press Release

Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC), a cosponsor of the DREAM Act that passed the House last night said, "The 216 to 198 vote was a double victory -- for the kids and for our country because we will all benefit." The bill gives undocumented immigrants brought to this country as children a path to residency by serving in the U.S. Armed Forces or by pursuing higher education.

"Giving young men and women a chance to resolve their immigration status and become contributing members of our society, in the only country they have ever known as home, is the only rational, just, and viable resolution," said Norton. "These young people are not going anywhere. Our country has as much to gain as these kids do by encouraging them to become contributing taxpaying citizens."

The DREAM Act will only apply to undocumented immigrants who have lived in the U.S. for at least five years prior to the date of enactment; who are currently 29 years old or younger; and were brought to the States at age 15 or younger. It does not offer a path to residency for children who will be brought here illegally in the future, bars eligibility for undocumented young people who have committed a felony or three misdemeanors, and limits the relatives who can qualify through kinship to DREAM Act children.
Norton said the passage last night was important to send a strong message to the Senate to swiftly pass the DREAM Act.

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