WASHINGTON — Senate Republicans on Saturday doomed an effort that would have given hundreds of thousands of young illegal immigrants a path to legal status if they enrolled in college or joined the military.
Sponsors of the Dream Act fell five votes short of the 60 they needed to break through largely GOP opposition and win its enactment before Republicans take over the House and narrow Democrats' majority in the Senate next month.
President Barack Obama called the vote "incredibly disappointing."
"A minority of senators prevented the Senate from doing what most Americans understand is best for the country," Obama said. "There was simply no reason not to pass this important legislation."
Dozens of immigrants wearing graduation mortarboards watched from the Senate's visitors gallery, disappointment on their faces, as the 55-41 vote was announced.
"This is a dark day in America," said Jorge-Mario Cabrera, a spokesman for the Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights in Los Angeles. "The Senate has ... thrown under the bus the lives and hard work of thousands and thousands of students who love this country like their own home, and, in fact, they have no other home."
Hispanic activists and immigrant advocates had looked to the bill as a down payment on what they had hoped would be broader action by Obama and the Democratic-controlled Congress to give the nation's 10 million to 12 million illegal immigrants a chance at legal status.
It targeted the most sympathetic of the millions of illegal immigrants — those brought to the United States as children, who in many cases consider themselves American, speak English and have no ties to or family living in their native countries.
"They stand in the classrooms and pledge allegiance to our flag," said Sen. Dick Durbin, D-Ill., the bill's chief sponsor. "This is the only country they have ever known. All they're asking for is a chance to serve this nation."
Critics called the bill a backdoor grant of amnesty that would encourage more foreigners to sneak into the United States in hopes of being legalized eventually.
"Treating the symptoms of the problem might make us feel better ... but it can allow the underlying problem to metastasize," said Sen. Jon Kyl, R-Ariz. "Unfortunately, that's what's happening at our border."
The legislation would have provided a route to legal status for an estimated 1 million to 2 million illegal immigrants who were brought to the U.S. before age 16, have been here for five years, graduated from high school or gained an equivalency degree and who joined the military or attend college.
Democrats' determination to vote on the bill before year's end reflected the party's efforts to satisfy Hispanic groups whose backing has been critical in recent elections and will be again in 2012. They said they'll try again in the next Congress, despite the increased GOP presence.
"The echo of this vote will be loud and long," said Rep. Luis V. Gutierrez, D-Ill., a key House sponsor of the bill. "We are at the tipping point that will define the political alignment of the Republican and Democratic parties with Latino voters for a generation."
"This country has a history of opening its arms," said Sen. Barbara Boxer, D-Calif. "Today, it's arms were closed, but we're going to get there."
Three Republicans — Robert Bennett of Utah, Lisa Murkowski of Alaska and Richard Lugar of Indiana — joined 50 Democrats and the Senate's two independents in voting for the bill.
Five Democrats — Max Baucus and Jon Tester of Montana, Kay Hagan of North Carolina, Ben Nelson of Nebraska and Mark Pryor of Arkansas — joined 36 Republicans in blocking it. Not voting were Republican Sens. Jim Bunning of Kentucky, Orrin Hatch of Utah and Judd Gregg of New Hampshire, and Democratic Sen. Joe Manchin of West Virginia.
TruthSeeker posted at 9:21 pm on Sat, Dec 18, 2010.
What they neglected to mention is the chain migration that would go along with this bill. That means that even the illegal alien parents who crossed our border illegally could easily become citizens because their kids became legal. No deal! And we also know how large Hispanic families are. Mucho grande!
RollerCam posted at 9:24 pm on Sun, Dec 19, 2010.
ANSWER, PLEASE: If foreign born parents are assured that their offspring will get the benefits and monetary advantages that are afforded to American citizens, will that bring MORE illegals into America or LESS illegals into America?
VIVA LA MIGRA!
Masterrogue666 posted at 9:52 pm on Sun, Dec 19, 2010.
"A minority of senators prevented the Senate from doing what most Americans understand is best for the country," Obama said.
That's funny, Mr. President. Most US CITIZENS that I talk to understand the issue, and DON'T AGREE it's best for the country!!!
You will not get a second term....
Masterrogue666 posted at 9:55 pm on Sun, Dec 19, 2010.
Undocumented college student Jorge Herrera, 18, center, of Carson, Calif -- Should be receiving a visit, and GET DEPORTED. He's NOT A CITIZEN. Also, he's here ILLEGALLY. He shouldn't be ALLOWED TO PROTEST! This is not his country. If he doesn't like it, GO HOME!!!
Masterrogue666 posted at 9:58 pm on Sun, Dec 19, 2010.
"This is a dark day in America," said Jorge-Mario Cabrera, a spokesman for the Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights in Los Angeles. "The Senate has ... thrown under the bus the lives and hard work of thousands and thousands of students who love this country like their own home, and, in fact, they have no other home."
WRONG, Jorge. THEIR PARENTS did it a long time ago when they crossed our border ILLEGALLY!!! Blame those that ARE responsible. They ARE citizens, in another country, so they do "have a home".
Masterrogue666 posted at 10:12 pm on Sun, Dec 19, 2010.
"They stand in the classrooms and pledge allegiance to our flag," said Sen. Durbin. That's funny Sen. Durbin, I've seen pictures that showed students that flew the MEXICAN FLAG over the AMERICAN FLAG, ON OUR SOIL, AND AT ONE OF OUR SCHOOLS!!!! They also flew the American flag upside down. (I couldn't use the first name of the Senator.)
But don't believe me, check it out:
http://www.snopes.com/photos/politics/mexicoflag.asp
They'd better never tresspass onto my property and try that...
rrjenn posted at 10:15 pm on Sun, Dec 19, 2010.
Backdoor amnesty and we won't allow them to do this. I'm all for giving these kids citizenship because they lived here most all their lives, but to get it they need to go back to their country of origin and apply nicely.
IceCat posted at 6:24 am on Mon, Dec 20, 2010.
I'm sure glad all the posters above actually read the bill. [sad]
Somehow I think it's fair that someone that serves in the US military deserves legal status.
Somehow I think it's fair that someone that grew up in this country, graduates from college, especially in a critical area deserves legal status. That call stopping the brain drain.
Somehow I think it's fair that someone that grew up in this country commits felonies should be shipped out.
Cerulean posted at 11:14 am on Mon, Dec 20, 2010.
[sad] Cowardly Old Party is more appropriate to those like Sen.Jon Kyl who voted against this legislation.
These young people are not criminals, they are smart, ambitious, future tax payers with family ties and a commitment to the United States.
Persons with a higher education have the potential to earn three times more than a person who has no degree. Rather than being one of the 47% of Americans who pay no income tax, this bill would have allowed these young people an opportunity to give back.
EmperorSmith posted at 12:04 pm on Mon, Dec 20, 2010.
I am 4th generation legal immigrant, you criminal aliens want legal status I have one, grave stone.
LinMesa posted at 1:28 pm on Mon, Dec 20, 2010.
Now that all you supporters of the Dream Act see what happens when you don't get out and vote, I hope you will remember what the Republicans have done and get out and vote in two years. That is the only way to make a difference. The Republican party doesn't care anything about you. You aren't rich enough.
reddi27 posted at 1:31 pm on Mon, Dec 20, 2010.
I am saddened that these young people who love our country will not be allowed to better themselves and contribute in a meaningful way.
EmperorSmith posted at 1:34 pm on Mon, Dec 20, 2010.
True get out and vote because you can't vote with a gun
Poorman posted at 1:46 pm on Mon, Dec 20, 2010.
I'm a diehard independent,and always have been. But this time the Repubs. got it right.
rrjenn posted at 2:30 pm on Mon, Dec 20, 2010.
IceCat, many of us have read the law and know exactly what it is. It is a backdoor amnesty for millions on people here illegally. Not just young Latinos that were brought here when their parents stole into our country in the dead of night. Once they are citizens they can sponsor their parents citizenship too. So the dream act is really nothing but backdoor amnesty that does the same thing if we just gave amnesty to the millions of illegals here right now, so don't even try to use this sympathy BS on us cause we know the truth even if you don't.
reddi27, you need to take a second look at what I just wrote.
What you sympathetic fools fail to understand is that the illegal immigration problems hurts us all not just us old white men.
rrjenn posted at 2:36 pm on Mon, Dec 20, 2010.
Ya everyone listen to what LinMesa has to say. Get out and vote to turn America into the same stink hole Mexico is now. Ya, them old white men republicans don't care about you. All they care about is money. Oh wait, isn't all that money what has made America such a magnet for the world's poor to want to come here? No problem, lets just turn it into to Mexico so we can rule the dung heap and then those old white men will be sorry they let us all in.
rrjenn posted at 2:41 pm on Mon, Dec 20, 2010.
These ingrates care only for themselves just like everyone on this planet, so tell me why I should feel sympathetic to their dreams when all I hear from them is down with whitey and kick those old white men out? If you crybabies really had some fight in you, you would go back to Mexico and fight for your rights there. Instead you steal into my country and try to steal the rights you have never earned.
Dale Whiting posted at 5:07 pm on Mon, Dec 20, 2010.
What would Jesus do? Or are we not a Christian Nation?
rrjenn posted at 5:33 pm on Mon, Dec 20, 2010.
Oh ya right Dale bring God into the debate. I'm pretty sure God is a communist that would want open borders and tax da rich till da be no mo rich no mo. I know Dale, let them all live with you. After all, you're a Christian right?
IceCat posted at 7:44 pm on Mon, Dec 20, 2010.
[sad] rrjenn once again this isn't about citizenship, but rather legal status. From there it takes at least five years to go through the citizenship process, and then ten years to sponsor someone.
rrjenn posted at 8:49 pm on Mon, Dec 20, 2010.
The time it takes sing does not change the name of the tune. The fact is we let way too many unskilled, ignorant Mexicans immigrate legally. It's time for immigration reform alright. Thanks for waking so many of us up to what has been going on for a very long time. Now we are going to change things back to where they were before immigration reform back in the 1960's when we stopped only allowing in people who were able to provide skills we needed into our country.
rrjenn posted at 8:52 pm on Mon, Dec 20, 2010.
STOP THE INVASION AND I WILL AGREE TO SIT DOWN AND DISCUSS IMMIGRATION REFORM OR THIS DREAM ACT. UNTIL THEN WE GIVE UP NOTHING MORE. SECURE THE BORDER AND STOP THIS INVASION OF DRUGS AND PEOPLE AND WE MAY ALLOW THESE KIDS AMNESTY. CHANGE THIS RIDICULES BABY ANCHOR BS AND MAYBE WE CAN TALK.
rrjenn posted at 9:11 pm on Mon, Dec 20, 2010.
The Obamanation in chief says "A minority of senators prevented the Senate from doing what most Americans understand is best for the country," Obama said. "There was simply no reason not to pass this important legislation." Last time I checked 55 votes against 41 votes for is a majority, but that retard can't even count how many states are in the union so it doesn't surprise me that the retard got it wrong. The retard actually said there were 57 states. Go ahead and report this post too you azzwipes.
justold44 posted at 11:27 am on Tue, Dec 21, 2010.
So, for the sake of argument, say the Dream Act passed...............Would there be a cut off date?
or is it open ended? Every illegal child under the age of 16 brought into this country from now on would be able to get citizenship.
So, now we have an additional 2 -3 million children being sent here from around the world every year, to stay with friends or family who can now apply for citizenship. This would be the end of The United States as we know it!!
We MUST SEAL the Border first. Then and only then, we can talk about how to fix the problem.
azrepublican posted at 11:28 am on Tue, Dec 21, 2010.
The failure of the DREAM Act was an early Christmas gift for the American taxpayers. As for these students, and all the other illegal aliens, it's time to return to your own Country. If you pack and leave now, you can be home for Christmas, or at least by New Year's Day. You must understand by now, there will be NO AMNESTY, and things may be getting really rough come the end of January. The Republicans will be in charge of Congress and many States will be passing some form of the Arizona Law, SB 1070. Do yourself and everyone else a favor and go home. If you are here ILLEGALLY, this is not your home. Have a safe trip.
rrjenn posted at 11:31 am on Tue, Dec 21, 2010.
This was never about children. It covered all illegal trespassers from the age of 16 to 35, including gang members. US taxpayers would have to pay for their education. Then let's not forget about all other illegals that would be brought in through chain migration.
rrjenn posted at 11:42 am on Tue, Dec 21, 2010.
DREAM Act students vow revolution after act fails in the Senate
December 18th, 2010 2:34 pm MT
“This is war!” claims Phoenix student Aldemar Cruz. “Republicans may have stopped the DREAM Act, but they won’t prevent La Reconquista from happening. “White people, watch out!”
Olivia Perez, an undocumented student who claims she was forced to fill out false paperwork in order to stay in the United States, says, “Latinos need to fight back. We need to march. We need to scream. If necessary, we need to riot. We need to do everything Blacks did to get their civil rights!”
Let us know when you want to start this war so we can be there too. This is yet another war you will lose and be sent packing it home.
azrepublican posted at 12:05 pm on Tue, Dec 21, 2010.
Close inspection of HR 5281, which passed the house last week by a narrow margin, finds a blanket waiver provision on page 5 line 21 Sec. 6 (a)(2). Immediately following all of the promises in the bill that only illegal aliens that claim they are under 30, claim they have been in the US 5 years, and claim they were brought here by others when they were under 16, and claim they are going to college or into the military, the waiver allows all of these considerations to be dropped.
"(2) WAIVER.—With respect to any benefit under this section and sections...the Secretary of Homeland Security may waive the... ground of inadmissibility ...and the ground of deportability... for humanitarian purposes or family unity or when it is otherwise in the public interest."
This provision will grant the Obama administration the power to declare full amnesty for the 12 to 20 million adult illegal immigrants in America!
Good thing it failed
Sandyand801 posted at 1:18 pm on Tue, Dec 21, 2010.
In response to IceCat who posts that it is ok for" someone who serves in the US military deserves legal status. Somehow I think it's fair that someone that grew up in this country, graduates from college, especially in a critical area deserves legal status." If you read the entire bill you will see that in fact they do not need to graduate college and they only have to serve 2 years in a "uniformed" service (this can be anything including the Smithonian as a ticket taker, or working for the Oceanic program. NO Where does it specify that it is speaking of the US armed forces) but if in fact it is the United States Armed Foreces than why just 2 years? Seriously in my understanding of the 1st 2 years of military service the majority of that time is actually TRAINING.. The bill actually goes on to further say that IF a person can not complete this requirement than it can be deemed as they have attempted to and if at anytime the person can prove that it is a hardship than it will not be required at all.. Well ghee if it said that how many will go for the gold or will they shoot for the easy way? As for the college part why should the illegal be allowed in state rates at any college? When the American people can not? And again just 2 years (what kind of "critical" job can one get with just a 2 year degree? None in this day and age. Not only that but the bill CLEARLY states that ANYONE from the age of 16 but younger than 30 is eligible for citizenship. Sir did you bother to read the bill? I did read it.. Matter of fact I posted it so you can read it.. . http://thomas.loc.gov/cgi-bin/query/D?c111:1:./temp/~c111OjHPTs::
Sandyand801 posted at 1:57 pm on Tue, Dec 21, 2010.
Well Dale, the Bible does tell one to Obey the civil laws. Render to Ceaser what is Ceasers. In the old testment it does speak about being given papers so that when the guards check on one (I beleive this is in Nehimiah) of the travelors that he will have the proper papers so that he may continue on his journey. SO my best guess will be that God and the Bible would infact agree with imigration laws...
rrjenn posted at 10:15 am on Wed, Dec 22, 2010.
UPDATE: Obama, Congressional Hispanic Caucus Discuss Ways to Shut Down Enforcement Legislation
Updated Wednesday, December 22, 2010, 10:18 AM EST
President Barack Obama and members of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus met at the White House yesterday to discuss the bleak future of immigration reform in Congress. Both sides agreed that amnesty is likely dead for the next two years, but Obama said that he would veto any immigration enforcement legislation.
Incoming House Judiciary Chair Rep. Lamar Smith (R-Texas) and House Immigration Subcommittee Chair Rep. Steve King (R-Iowa) have already outlined immigration enforcement bills they would like to pursue during the next Congress. Should legislation that mandates E-Verify or attempts to secure the border pass through both Chambers, Pres. Obama told the Congressional Hispanic Caucus he would veto them.
Pres. Obama also said he would make immigration reform one of the topics of his State of the Union address in January.
Other things the President could do include issuing executive actions to help the illegal aliens who could have been impacted by passage of the DREAM Act. For instance, Obama could cancel any removal proceedings against DREAM applicants, but it's unknown whether or not he'll try to use his executive powers to extend some of the other benefits offered to illegal aliens through the DREAM Act like work authorization, access to social services, and access to financial aid.
Rep. Luis Gutierrez (D-Ill.), who championed the pro-Amnesty movement in the House, has said that he's given up on legislative solutions to legalizing the nation's 11-18 million illegal aliens and has said he's taking his fight to the streets. With the make-up of the next Congress, it is highly unlikely any type of amnesty legislation would make it through Congress. Furthermore, new decennial census information released today shows that several seats in the House of Representatives could be shifting from pro-Amnesty leaning states to pro-enforcement states.
This is what the Obamanation in chief thinks about Americans and their jobs that are going to illegal aliens sneaking into our country.