Dream Act's defeat marks tilt to enforcement

San Diego Union Tribune
December 19, 2010
By Elizabeth Aguilera

Measure was considered a litmus test for the larger issue of immigration reform

The death of the DREAM Act on Saturday in the Senate marks the end of a 10-year effort for immigrant advocates and signals a pivotal new direction as the incoming tide of congressional Republicans plans to stress even greater illegal immigration enforcement.

The legislation would have allowed certain illegal immigrants who came to the U.S. as children to gain legal status by attending college or joining the military.

During the last-chance showdown for this year, the Senate fell short of the 60 votes needed to break a filibuster. Votes were cast largely along party lines; the final count was 55-41. The House of Representatives had passed a similar bill several weeks ago.

The DREAM Act was considered a litmus test for the larger issue of immigration reform, and its defeat shows it will be increasingly more tough going for pro-immigration measures as the GOP takes control of the House.

The new leadership is expected to push for stronger border control and much tougher enforcement of existing laws targeting illegal immigrants including expansion of raids and making the E-verify system for businesses mandatory.

Republicans also are aiming to review programs for legal immigration, including whether to end the nation’s visa lottery.

President Barack Obama called Saturday’s decision “an incredibly disappointing vote.â€