White House: DREAM Act "the right thing to do for talented young people"

[Still a Democrat]

The White House released the following statement on the failure of the DREAM Act in the Senate today.


In an incredibly disappointing vote today, a minority of Senators prevented the Senate from doing what most Americans understand is best for the country. As I said last week, when the House passed the DREAM Act, it is not only the right thing to do for talented young people who seek to serve a country they know as their own, it is the right thing for the United States of America. Our nation is enriched by their talents and would benefit from the success of their efforts. The DREAM Act is important to our economic competitiveness, military readiness, and law enforcement efforts. And as the non-partisan Congressional Budget Office reported, the DREAM Act would cut the deficit by $2.2 billion over the next 10 years. There was simply no reason not to pass this important legislation.

It is disappointing that common sense did not prevail today. But my administration will not give up on the DREAM Act, or on the important business of fixing our broken immigration system. The American people deserve a serious debate on immigration, and it's time to take the polarizing rhetoric off our national stage.

I thank Senators Durbin, Reid, and Menendez for their tireless efforts. Moving forward, my administration will continue to do everything we can to fix our nation's broken immigration system so that we can provide lasting and dedicated resources for our border security while at the same time restoring responsibility and accountability to the system at every level.


http://tpmlivewire.talkingpointsmemo.com/2010/12/white-...

[CaliforniaPeggy]

1. Good luck with the next Congress, Obama...nt

[Still a Democrat]

2. It will be a tough room

Let's hope for the best, my friend.

[LonePirate]

3. It confounds me that members of our military and/or college students are denied citizenship

These people are patriots and bettering themselves to strengthen our economy which benefits us all. This bill should have passed 100-0 but I guess I underestimate how much bigotry, scapegoating, hypocrisy and a true lack of values consumes so many people in this country.

[bluestateguy]

4. I think they knew it would not pass

The political value for the White House was just in being for it and advocating for it, so that Hispanic voters can see the crystal clear choice for them in 2012: Obama is for it, Republicans are against it.

[patrice]

5. I hope the President calls on the people of this country to help him get this done. nt