Dear Ms. ( name removed by me):

Thank you for contacting me regarding immigration. I appreciate hearing from you.

As you know, individuals who were brought to the U.S. illegally years ago through no fault of their own have no way to legalize their immigration status and go to college to improve their lives. The Development, Relief, Education for Alien Minors (DREAM) Act of 2009 would address this problem by providing that upon graduation from high school, young people who have stayed in school and out of trouble would be able to apply for ten years of "conditional" legal immigration status. This status would be made permanent if they continue on to college or serve in the military. Students applying for these benefits would have to meet certain criteria, including earning a high school diploma, demonstrating good moral character, and passing criminal and security clearances.

I have long been a strong supporter of the DREAM Act. I do not believe it is fair to punish children-many of whom were brought to the United States as very young children and think of themselves as Americans-for the choices made by their parents. I also do not believe it makes sense to prevent these children, many of whom have been highly successful students, from going to college so they can more valuably contribute to our society and our economy.

There were several efforts in the 109th and 110th Congress to vote on the DREAM Act, including, most recently, on October 24, 2007, when the DREAM Act was considered by itself on the Senate floor. Each time, opponents blocked the Senate from approving this important legislation. In the 111th Congress, I am an original cosponsor of the DREAM Act of 2009 (S.729) which was introduced on March 26, 2009 by Senator Richard Durbin [D-IL]. I announced my intention to offer the DREAM Act as an amendment to the Fiscal Year 2011 Defense Authorization Act (S.3454) in September. Unfortunately, Republicans blocked our efforts to bring this bill to the floor. I will once again bring the DREAM Act to the Senate floor for a vote during the work period after the Thanksgiving holiday. I am hopeful that my colleagues will join me in finally enacting this important legislation soon. Please be assured that I will continue my work with your thoughts in mind while I continue my work in the U.S. Senate.

Again, thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts with me. For more information about my work for Nevada, my role in the United States Senate Leadership, or to subscribe to regular e-mail updates on the issues that interest you, please visit my Web site at http://reid.senate.gov. I look forward to hearing from you in the near future.

My best wishes to you.

Sincerely,
A
HARRY REID
United States Senator
Nevada




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