Black Congressman Urges Vote On DREAM Act

WASHINGTON - Black U.S. Representative Edolphus “Ed” Towns fro New York has taken steps to move comprehensive immigration reform forward by urging his colleagues to vote on the DREAM Act before adjournment of the 111th Congress. The DREAM Act will help improve access to education for immigrants and creates a pathway to legal status for young adults who attend college or serve in the military.

“Congress needs to act immediately on this bill that helps young immigrants realize their full potential and creates a legal pathway toward achieving the American dream,” said Rep. Towns.

Under the DREAM Act, young adult children who meet the following criteria: began living in the U.S. prior to their 16th birthday, lived continuously in the U.S. for at least five consecutive years prior to enactment of the legislation, and hold a high school or GED from a U.S. high school, would be provided a pathway to become U.S. citizens upon completion of two years of service in the military or higher education. Currently, an estimated 2.1 million individuals meet this criteria.

Rep. Towns is deeply committed to strengthening our nation through educational opportunities and immigration reform. He firmly believes enactment of the DREAM Act is an important part of achieving this goal.

“The DREAM Act encourages our nation’s core values through hard work and personal achievement, and opens the door to opportunities afforded to past generations of immigrants,” added Rep. Towns. “I look forward to voting on this critical piece of legislation.”