The Republicans told a lot of lies in killing the bill. They said it was just a back-door form of amnesty. They said it would encourage illegal immigration. They said it was rewarding people for breaking the law. None of these ludicrous statements were true.
The truth is that the bill would only have applied to a tiny segment of the immigrants who are in this country without the proper paperwork. To qualify for the program a young person would have to meet the following qualifications:
* Have proof they arrived in the United States before they were 16 years-old.
* Have proof they resided in the U.S. for five consecutive years since arrival.
* Be between the ages of 12 and 30 when the bill is enacted.
* Graduate from an American high school, obtain a GED, or be admitted to an American college or university.
* Be of good moral character.
If they met all of these requirements they could be issued a temporary residence permit for six years. Within that six year period they would have to accomplish one of three things. These are:
* Serve at least two years active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces (of an 8 year commitment).
* Graduate from a two-year community college.
* Complete two years (in good standing) toward a degree at a four-year college.
If they did complete one of the three requirements, they would then receive permanent residency and the opportunity to work toward their citizenship. This bill would have been a win-win situation for both the young immigrants and the United States. The youngsters would get the chance to earn citizenship in the country they've come to love, and the United States would benefit by getting the best and brightest young immigrants (who have shown they would be an asset to the country).
But that didn't happen. The Republicans in the Senate showed they were far more interested in promoting hate and fear and demagoguing the immigration issue. And with the Republicans taking over the House of Representatives and increasing their numbers in the Senate, it is very unlikely the bill could be passed in the next two years. That's a real shame.
Over at Border Explorer blog, they have decided it's better to laugh than to cry. Contributor Al Carlos Hernandez has come up with his Top Ten Reasons The Dream Act Failed To Pass. I found it both humorous and enlightening, and I repost his list here for your enjoyment.
10. 41 Republican Senators have decided not to be re-elected.
9. Didn't want undocumented to earn citizenship by going to college or military service.
8. Democrats; Baucus, Pryor, Conrad, Hagan, Nelson and Tester who voted against the bill, wanted no political future.
7. You can be Gay in the Military but not Gaytino.
6. The act would have raised 2 billion in revenue. Senators didn't have plan to misspend it.
5. Didn't want hundreds of thousands gifted young Latinos not mowing their lawns.
4.They were dreaming of a White Christmas.
3. Defense Secretary Gates and Homeland Secretary Napolitano supported the Act, but what do they know?
2. The three Republicans who voted for the Act can now announce their candidacy for President 2012.
1. Apparently, Martin Luther King, the American people and the Senate have different "Dreams".
That's a great list. But I don't think this fight is over. One of these days the U.S. will do the right thing and pass this bill (or a similar one). The bigots in this country have never given up easily, but they are always finally defeated. Just look at how long it took to accomplish minority rights and women's rights (and the battle for homosexual rights is only partially won, with DADT being recently repealed). The country usually comes around, but it seems it must be done with baby steps -- not giant leaps.
agreed
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