GOP Thinkers and Leaders Also Support Legislation
Washington, DC – Today, America’s Voice, Center for American Progress Action Fund, the National Immigration Law Center and the American Immigration Lawyers Association released the second in a series of ads, this time in Politico and CQ Today, urging Senate Republicans to do the right thing and vote for the DREAM Act. Today’s ad features Alina Cortes, a resident of San Antonio, TX who “was raised as a conservative and always put Republican leaders on a pedestal.” Her plea to Republican senators to vote for DREAM echoes the growing number of conservative leaders who have raised their voices in recent weeks.
In addition to the ad, America’s Voice released a collection of quotes from conservatives who support the DREAM Act, proving that bipartisan support of youth like Alina Cortes is real. The upcoming Senate DREAM Act vote is becoming a defining moment for the GOP, and Latino voters across the country are watching to see how Republican Senators will vote on the futures of young Latino leaders.
“I have gotten to know Alina Cortes in recent months and I have no doubt that she will make a fine citizen. She takes on big challenges willingly and doesn’t hide behind excuses. If only the 100 senators who hold her future in their hands would do the same,” said Frank Sharry, executive director of America’s Voice.
Marielena Hincapie, Executive Director of the National Immigration Law Center, said, “The DREAM Act is as much an opportunity for Republican Senators to live up to the ideals of our forefathers, as it is a way for homegrown achievers to fully contribute to our society and our economy. We applaud those senators who have been vocal champions, and hope more will remove their party blinders and fulfill our schoolchildren’s American dreams. It’s time to stop stalling and enact the DREAM Act.”
The DREAM Act is a bipartisan bill supported by voters across party lines that would bolster Americas’ economy and strengthen the military. It allows young people who are American in every way but their citizenship to legalize their status so that they can go to college or serve in the military.
Fifteen current Republican senators have voted for the DREAM Act on its own or as part of comprehensive immigration reform over the past seven years. The bill was originally drafted by conservative Republican Senator Orrin Hatch (R-UT), along with current champion Senator Richard Durbin (D-IL). Currently, Senator Richard Lugar (R-IN) and Bob Bennett (R-UT) have already indicated that they plan to support the DREAM Act, and a majority of Democrats are on record supporting the bill. Last week, the House passed its version of the legislation with support from eight Republicans. The only thing standing in the way of the DREAM Act becoming law is a handful of Republican votes in the Senate.
“The time to show who and what you stand for is upon the Senate. Will Republicans stand for America’s kids and for our country’s future? Or will they stand for short-sighted, mean-spirited politics and turn their backs on the American Dream? We will know tomorrow.”
“We know of many Republicans who know better than the ugly rhetoric of the House debate – some showed themselves in the House and voted for DREAM,” said David Leopold, President of the American Immigration Lawyers Association. “It is time for their Senate colleagues to do the same.”
Thursday’s Ad in Roll Call – Cesar Vargas
Fact Sheet: Conservatives Support the DREAM Act
More Stories of DREAM-Eligible Youth
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