Thread: OK-Rally yesterday backs bill for temporary citizenship

Rally yesterday backs bill for temporary citizenship

Tulsa World (Oklahoma)
October 4, 2009 Sunday
SHANNON MUCHMORE World Staff Writer

The Tulsa Community College Hispanic Student Association hosted a rally Saturday in support of proposed federal legislation that would grant illegal-immigrant students temporary U.S. citizenship while they pursue higher education.

The event, co-sponsored by the Greater Tulsa Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, ran from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, 8730 E. Skelly Drive.

The Development, Relief and Education for Alien Minors Act would allow illegal immigrants who enter the United States before they turn 16 and have lived in the country for at least five years to be eligible for temporary citizenship upon graduating from a U.S. high school or being accepted to a U.S. college, according to the Congressional Research Service.

After completing two years of college or military service, the immigrant would be allowed to petition for permanent citizenship.

The original legislation was introduced in 2007 and defeated by filibuster.

It was reintroduced to the Senate in March.

Tina Pena, an adviser for TCC's Hispanic Student Association, said the legislation has a chance to pass this year, particularly if its potential economic impact is considered.

"They (legislators) need to realize that instead of outsourcing jobs abroad, we have those bright minds in our own backyard," she said.

As many as 65,000 students could be eligible for the act every year, according to the National Immigration Law Center. Pena said the debate on the legislation affects all races, not just Hispanics.

"The issue affects all walks of life," she said. Ric Braser, TCC's vice president for academic affairs, will give a keynote speech at Saturday's event about the act and its potential effect on the Tulsa area.

The legislation is intended to help students who may have gone to grade school and high school in Tulsa County but who have trouble getting into college because they are illegal immigrants, he said.

"Upon graduating high school, they hit that roadblock and can't get financial aid to support themselves," he said.

Students who could be helped aren't going to go away, and the act could help them contribute economically, Braser said.

"I'm hoping that this catches the ear of Congress, and they really think about the ramifications of not doing this," he said.

Other scheduled speakers in support of the legislation will be former Tulsa mayor and University of Oklahoma professor Rodger Randle; Francisco Trevino, executive director of the Greater Tulsa Hispanic Chamber of Commerce; and Thalia Shaull, a member of the TCC board of regents.

Eligibility: To be eligible for the DREAM Act, students must:

Move to the United States before their 16th birthday.

Live in the U.S. for five consecutive years before applying.

Graduate from an American high school or obtain a GED.

Have good moral character.

Source: Congressional Research Service Shannon Muchmore 581-8378 shannon.muchmore@tulsaworld.com SUBHEAD:

This federal measure would help illegal immigrants attend college in the U.S.

http://www6.lexisnexis.com/publisher/En ... 18&start=2

Just a thought...

How do you have GOOD MORAL CHARACTER IF

You moved to the US before you were 16.

Remember these are ILLEGAL aliens. If you broke the law in the beginning, you have NO moral character. OUR children are held to the highest standards, a flipping parking ticket can keep you out!