Thread: Senator Rubio Streamlines Dream Act Plans, Pleases Democrats

U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio, D-Florida, breathes life into limited DREAM Act - Sun Sentinel

Marco Rubio breathes life into limited DREAM Act

Democrats welcome compromise proposal

May 15, 2012|By William E. Gibson, Washington Bureau
WASHINGTON — U.S. Senator Marco Rubio's attempt to provide limited legal status to many of the children who entered this country illegally is finding a warm welcome from a surprising source: Senate Democrats.
The Florida Republican, who is huddling with Senate leaders from both parties this week, is emerging as a prominent player in the contentious debate over immigration. His search for an acceptable compromise on the long-sought DREAM Act has drawn tentative support across the party divide, raising the chances for passage in this election year.
Of course, the encouraging words from political adversaries could set up Republicans for blame if his fledgling proposal gets killed by conservatives in the U.S. House. But for the moment, Rubio's plunge into the prickly politics of immigration adds some substance to his rise as a national figure.
"I am assuming that he is approaching this in good faith, and I believe he wants to help," said U.S. Sen. Richard Durbin of Illinois, the Democratic whip and a leading advocate for the DREAM Act. "So I am open to any bipartisan effort."



Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nev., also welcomes Rubio's efforts in the hope that he will bring Republicans to the bargaining table, said spokesman Jose Parra. Much depends, however, on the details.
Rubio, who plans to unveil his bill in a few weeks, has consulted with opponents and proponents of the DREAM Act. In a videotaped message to Floridians, he said his proposal would provide non-immigrant visas but deny in-state tuition rates and welfare benefits.
He also has consulted with many of the "dreamers" — undocumented children who yearn for a chance to become legal, get drivers' licenses and work permits. They want the full DREAM Act, which would include a path to citizenship. But many would settle for Rubio's more-limited version, a chance to at least live and work here legally.
"These kids have been in legal limbo for far too long, and their lives have been on hold for far too long," said Cheryl Little, executive director of Americans for Immigrant Justice, based in Miami, which represents dreamers and other immigrants. "We need to extend a lifeline to them now. Even if it's temporary relief at this point, I think most of them will go ahead and take it because they need to move on with their lives."

WILL ROMNEY BLOW IT AND PULL A McCAIN IN 2012? Rubio met with Hispanic Democrats to pitch DREAM Act vision

Published on 05-12-2012



Rubio courted LaRaza activists Luis Guiterrez, Charles Gonzales, and Robert Menendez to gain support for his alternative ...

Totally disgusting.