Washington, D.C. - U.S. Representative Howard L. Berman (CA-28) today issued the following statement in anticipation of the House moving to a vote on the DREAM Act.

"I look forward to the House finally taking action on the DREAM Act today.  I first introduced this legislation nearly a decade ago.  Since then, a healthy grassroots advocacy movement has grown up around the bill, and we have put together a strong bipartisan coalition committed to making the DREAM Act law.

"The DREAM Act would enable high-achieving young people who were brought to the U.S. years ago as children - who were raised here, worked hard in school, and then pursued higher education or served in the military - to lead normal lives.  The bill would give these young people, not their parents, the opportunity to resolve their immigration status, illustrate their commitment to being productive members of their communities, and contribute their full talents to our country.

"Critics call this bill an amnesty - a giveaway.  I can only assume they haven't read it.  Before anyone can get a lawful permanent immigration status under this bill, they must get a high school degree, serve two years in the armed forces or complete two years of a bachelor's degree, and wait ten years in a conditional status, while paying thousands of dollars in fees before they can even apply for a permanent status.  These are kids who have done nothing wrong, but we're still asking a lot of them to prove their commitment to this country and be productive members of their communities.

“The Congressional Budget Office estimates that the DREAM Act would reduce the deficit by $2.2 billion over the next decade.  A UCLA study says DREAM would generate at least $1.4 trillion in added wealth over the next 40 years.  The Secretary of Defense, Colin Powell and the DOD’s own strategic plan believe the DREAM Act will help the military ‘shape and maintain a mission-ready all-volunteer force.’

“This bill isn’t a giveaway or an amnesty in any sense of those words.  What it is, is a way to get a very good return on an investment our country has made in some very talented and hard-working young people.  These are young people who have grown up here and gone to school here.  This is their home, and our communities have a vested interest in their success. 

“It’s absurd that at just the moment in their lives when they are preparing to turn their hard work and achievement into tangible contributions to their communities, our immigration laws cut them off.  It’s a loss.  This is what the DREAM Act is about—fulfilling potential.    We can’t afford not to pass this bill.”