FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE November 25, 2010 The Dream Act will be voted on at the lame duck session of congress (HR-1751 in the house and S-729 in the Senate.) Its primary goal is to legalize the more than 2 million undocumented youths who have resided in and attended schools in the United States. TALKING POINTS · The Dream Act would provide students who lived most of their lives in our country and excelled in their work in order to obtain a college education, the means to obtain conditional lawful permanent status. · By taking these steps, the Dream Act will provide students with the opportunity to either pursue a higher education or serve in the U.S armed forces. · Each year, approximately 65,000 undocumented students graduate from high school, many at the top of their classes, but cannot go on to college, join the military, work or otherwise pursue their dreams. They belong to a generation of immigrants, brought to the United States at a young age, who were, for the most part, raised in this country and, therefore, share much in common with second-generation Americans. · These students are culturally American, having grown up here, and often, having little attachment to their country of birth. · The vast majority are bicultural and fluent in English. Unfortunately, immigration status and the associated barriers to higher education contribute to a higher-than-average high school dropout rate. · The Dream Act would eliminate these barriers for many students. The high school graduation requirement would provide a powerful incentive for students who might otherwise drop out to stay in school and go on to college. · University presidents and educational associations, as well as military recruiters and business and religious leaders have added their voice to those calling for passage of the bill. · Indeed, there is a component to the bill that has an underlying economic stimulus potential, as the legislation requires undocumented youths to attain at least an associate-level college degree to be eligible for legalization. If implemented, the Dream Act would produce thousands of college graduates. Thus, according to a study by the University of California, passing this bill would enhance economic earnings by developing a highly educated workforce that will contribute trillions of dollars to the U.S. economy. A higher supply of skilled students would also advance the U.S. global competitive position in science, technology, medicine, education and many other endeavors. · Regarding the armed forces, the Dream Act represents an opportunity to expand the military’s human resources. The Dream Act is part of the Department of Defense's 2010-2012 Strategic Plan to assist the military in its recruiting efforts. As Secretary Robert Gates has pointed out, “the Dream Act provides an important opportunity to selectively manage against the highest qualification standards. This will result in improved recruitment results and attendant gains in unit manning and military performance.” · Failure to pass the Dream Act could have serious negative social consequences in American society, as jobless and hopeless young people may find themselves in the streets. Such situation could easily push these young individuals into criminal activities. PLEASE WRITE OR CALL MEMBERS OF CONGRESS AND EXPRESS YOUR SUPPORT FOR THE DREAM ACT NOW. Sample Letter: Dear Congressman/Senator _________: We urge you to support the Dream Act because: - Pick two or three points from the talking points listed above. Thank you.
Research has shown that providing a legal status for young people who have a proven record of success in the United States would be a great boon to the economy and our workforce.
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Senator George LeMieux (R-Florida) United States Senate
Senator Bill Nelson (D- Florida) United States Senate
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Congressman Tom Rooney (R-16) 1529 Longworth HOB Phone: Phone: (202) 225-5792
Congressman Ron Klein 313 Cannon House Office Bldg. Washington DC, 20515 Phone (202) 225 3026 Fax (202) 225 8398 http://klein.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=4§iontree=4
Congressman Ted Deutch 2241 Rayburn House Office Bldg. Washington DC 20515 Phone (202) 225 3001 Fax (202) 225 5974 https://teddeutch.house.gov/Forms/WriteYourRep/default.aspx
Congressman Alcee Hastings 2353 Rayburn Office Building
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American Jewish Committee, Palm Beach County Chapter, the Anti-Defamation League, Catalyst for Justice, Catholic Charities,
Church of all Nations, End Times Harvest International Ministries, Hispanic Resource Council, Honorary Consul of Guatemala in
Palm Beach County, Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, Palm Beach County Chapter, Jesus Redentor de Vida, Jewish Community
Relations Council of the Jewish Federation of Palm Beach County, L’Dor V’Dor Synagogue in Lake Worth, Maria Santamarina,
FAU Diversity Officer, New Africa of the Palm Beaches, Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office, Temple Israel, World Trade Center
Palm Beach and Western Union
