Thread: Letter from Dickie Durbin

November 5, 2007





xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxt

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Westmont, IL 60559





Dear xxxxxxxxxx:



Thank you for contacting me about the Development, Relief, and Education for Alien Minors (DREAM) Act. I appreciate hearing from you.



The DREAM Act, which I first introduced with bipartisan support in 2003, would provide permanent residence to undocumented young people who have proven their desire to fulfill the American dream.



These young people were brought to the United States as children, when they did not have the independence to make choices on their own. Often, these young people did not discover until much later that the decisions made by their parents left them without a country to call their own. Since arriving here they have attended school, learned English, contributed to their communities, and want to be productive members of our society.



There is currently no way for these deserving young people to legally earn U.S. permanent residence or citizenship. The DREAM Act simply provides them with that opportunity. In return, the bill requires that these young people prove themselves by satisfying several requirements, all of which must be verified by appropriate documentation.



In order to qualify for residency under the DREAM Act, these members of our communities must have come to our country before the age of 16 and must have lived here for at least five years before the bill becomes law. They must refrain from criminal or immoral behavior, and they must have earned a high school degree. Most importantly, they must either complete two years of college or serve at least two years in the military.



I believe our country would benefit greatly if young people who meet these conditions are given the chance to become U.S. citizens.



The DREAM Act would help our military, which faces a serious recruitment crisis. Under the DREAM Act, tens of thousands of well-qualified potential recruits would become eligible for military service. Defense Department officials have said that the DREAM Act is "very appealing" to the military because it would apply to the "cream of the crop" of students. They have concluded that the DREAM Act would be good for readiness.



For those who pursue college, the DREAM Act provides the opportunity to become an American scientist, nurse, teacher, engineer, or an American in any other profession that requires a college education. Since 2003, we have watched intelligent, ambitious students graduate from high school only to end up in low-wage undocumented jobs because they cannot attend college or work legally. As a result, the United States loses future leaders and social vibrancy as well as tax revenue and economic growth.



I understand the concerns some have about the expense of the DREAM Act. This bill does not provide free financial aid to any individual. Although an earlier version of the DREAM Act allowed states to decide whether their undocumented students should be eligible for in-state tuition, that provision was later removed. I have led the effort in Congress to make college more affordable for middle-class families, and I will continue to support such efforts.

Some opponents of this legislation suggest that it would encourage illegal immigration or that it would provide amnesty to illegal immigrants. This is not the case. Applicants are required to have already been in the country for at least five years before enactment of the DREAM Act. Furthermore, family members of DREAM Act applicants would remain ineligible for legal status.

I have consistently supported efforts to deter illegal immigration. Soon after the debate on immigration reform, I voted in favor of a Homeland Security Appropriations bill that included $3 billion in emergency funding to ensure quick implementation of the bill's border security provisions. The fact remains, however, that the United States can benefit from the contributions of thousands of hardworking, upstanding young people who have proven themselves and who want to live and uphold the American Dream.



In October 2007, the DREAM Act was brought to the floor of the Senate. Although 52 senators - including 11 members of the minority - voted to end a filibuster on the bill, 60 votes were needed to proceed to a final vote. As a result, the DREAM Act did not receive final consideration.



There is no doubt that our current immigration system must be reformed. We need reforms that are tough and enforceable but also fair and consistent with our nation's values. I will continue to support legislation, such as broader enforcement and the DREAM Act, that advances us toward these goals.



I hope this letter helps you better understand my support for the DREAM Act. Thank you again for your message.

Sincerely,


Richard J. Durbin

United States Senator

*This letter came via email but had my HOME ADDRESS ON IT. While I have emailed he and Obama on numerous occasions, I have never received anything with my home address on it. Maybe I'm being paranoid?

I have the uncomfortable feeling that we have NOT seen or heard the end of the nightmare act.

If you are registered to vote and provided you true name your address is
at there fingertips.

Yes I received this same form letter today also. Of course I didn't expect him to change his spots.


I really liked this part These young people were brought to the United States as children, when they did not have the independence to make choices on their own. Often, these young people did not discover until much later that the decisions made by their parents left them without a country to call their own. Since arriving here they have attended school, learned English, contributed to their communities, and want to be productive members of our society.

I am truly sorry their parents thought so little of them as to come here illegally in the first place. They could have followed the "Legal" immigration route.

I also received the same email from Sen. Durbin. It also included my home address which they can get from any voter registration. When I email Sen. Feinstein from third party it has also asked for name and address there.

Originally Posted by jimpasz

If you are registered to vote and provided you true name your address is
at there fingertips.

That explains it, thanks jimpasz!


Working4change Even funnier he didn't explain why they didn't leave despite knowing they were here illegally, once they reached adulthood. After reading the DAP board the arrogance has done nothing more than erase the small amount of sympathy I had for any of them

They have your name and address when you email them also.

I just love how politicians like Durbin, conveniently overlook one fact:

That these 'kids" may have had no say in being brought here illegally as minors under their parents' care and control. But, at the age of 18 as adults, these individuals are capable of returning to their home countries and applying to come here legally to either work or go to school.

Instead of doing that, they have chosen to make the decision to stay here as an illegal alien whining and crying about how their lot in life is unfair.

When does it stop being their parents' fault?

That looks like the same "canned" letter I got from him.

[color=brown]WhatMattersMost,

When you say:
“ *This letter came via email but had my HOME ADDRESS ON IT. While I have emailed he and Obama on numerous occasions, I have never received anything with my home address on it. Maybe I'm being paranoid?â€

[quote="MadInChicago"]That looks like the same "canned" letter I got from him.

[color=brown]WhatMattersMost,

When you say:
“ *This letter came via email but had my HOME ADDRESS ON IT. While I have emailed he and Obama on numerous occasions, I have never received anything with my home address on it. Maybe I'm being paranoid?â€

This is not the case. Applicants are required to have already been in the country for at least five years

And how in the heck are they going to know how long they have been here? More fake documents? That is such an insane statement/requirement. You'll never be able to verify it.