The hopes of getting the DREAM Act, an important part of comprehensive immigration reform, passed took a hit today when the Senate was unable to move forward on voting on the larger Defense Authorization Bill to which the DREAM Act was attached. While all hope is not lost for the passage of this bill, today’s vote likely means that it will be at least several more months before the bill will be brought back up in the Senate.
The Immigration Policy Center of the American Immigration Council had this to say in a press release:
“The political gridlock that has immobilized the Senate has resulted once again in a lost opportunity for the American people. By refusing to allow the Defense Authorization Act to proceed, America will not see, at this time, an up or down vote on the DREAM Act, which would have been a first legislative step in resolving our immigration crisis. The Senators who voted “no” today are ignoring unequivocal evidence that the DREAM Act is good for military readiness, the American workforce and the U.S. economy.
The energy and enthusiasm of thousands of young people who have poured themselves into promoting the DREAM Act has not been wasted, however. Because of their efforts, more people today understand the importance of DREAM to our economy, our military, and the future of our country than ever before.”
