Washington, DC – U.S. Senator Benjamin L. Cardin (D-MD) released the following statement today after the Senate was blocked from considering the DREAM Act:
“I am disappointed that a small minority in the Senate continues to block the DREAM Act from consideration. This is important legislation that started out with bipartisan support but, despite substantive changes, has been twisted into something it is not. This is a compassionate bill that recognizes that we should not hold innocent children responsible for the sins of their parents. It would have provided a stringent pathway for young men and women who have graduated high school to give back to their adopted country and local communities through military service or to complete a higher education.
“Supporting the DREAM Act is an appropriate step toward comprehensive immigration reform. Earlier this year, Congress provided $600 million for 1,500 new border patrol agents, additional monitoring and communications equipment. Those resources will help to ensure that our nation’s borders are secure. The DREAM Act is targeted legislation that addresses thousands of undocumented children who were brought to this country before the age of 16. We could spend a great amount of time debating what to do with the undocumented adults who have come to this U.S. – and I do hope we shortly resolve that issue – but the focus of this measure is the children.
“I commend the House of Representatives for passing this important legislation and hope that the Senate will return to its consideration as soon as possible.”
