I don't have the original email I sent a few days ago since it was through the form on the website, but here's the response I just got, and the response I'm sending back:

Dear Alex,



Thank you for contacting me to share your concerns about the Development, Relief, and Education for Alien Minors (DREAM) Act (S. 729). While we may disagree about this legislation, I appreciate knowing your views and value the opportunity to share my perspective.



I believe every student deserves the opportunity to attend college and achieve his or her full potential, and that children should not be held responsible for their parents' actions. The DREAM Act would allow undocumented students who have been in the United States for at least five years the opportunity to earn legal status. I believe it is in our nation's best interest to ensure that all children receive the opportunities of higher education so that they can join the workforce and fully contribute to the economy and society.



Thank you, again, for sharing your thoughts with me. I hope you will continue to keep me informed about the issues that matter most to you.




Sincerely,

Jeffrey A. Merkley
United States Senator


My response :

In response to your reply about the DREAM act :

"I believe every student deserves the opportunity to attend college and achieve his or her full potential, and that children should not be held responsible for their parents' actions. The DREAM Act would allow undocumented students who have been in the United States for at least five years the opportunity to earn legal status. I believe it is in our nation's best interest to ensure that all children receive the opportunities of higher education so that they can join the workforce and fully contribute to the economy and society."

While I agree that it isn't the fault of the children, they still aren't legal residents of our country. That issue is completely separate and should be taken up by their parents since it is the fault of the parents.

The issue at hand is the fact that millions of dollars will go towards the education of illegal immigrants while we have thousands of LEGAL citizens that could use that monetary help for education. What about all the parents that are citizens that are fighting through the recession to try and put get their children that are also citizens into college. What about adults that are citizens that have lost their jobs are looking for re-education that can't afford it. What about all the issues that CITIZENS of this country currently have trying to get into college and finish college?

While I do feel for these children of the IAs, they are NOT the responsibility of this country. The responsibility of this country and of the government of this country is to the CITIZENS of the US of A. It seems that your priorities have been lost and that you are putting IAs ahead of the people that voted for you, ahead of the people of the state of Oregon, and ahead of the people of the US of A.

It seems like you need to rethink who you were put in to office to serve.

Good day.