Good First Step Towards Common Sense Immigration Solutions

Washington DC - With the House and Senate slated to vote on the DREAM Act later this week, the Service Employees International Union (SEIU) Secretary-Treasurer, Eliseo Medina, released the following statement.

One thing is clear following this year's midterm election and that is the American people want action from Congress. Passing the bi-partisan DREAM Act - legislation that will open the doors of opportunity to some of our nation's best and brightest - is a good place to start.

"This commonsense legislation--supported by 70 percent of American voters--will provide a path to citizenship for high achieving young people brought to the U.S. at a young age through no fault of their own. Like most American kids, these valedictorians, future Lieutenants, doctors, engineers, educators and leaders want to make the most of themselves and give back to their country.

"Take David Cho, who came to the United States at the age of nine. Now he is a high school graduate studying international economics at UCLA. His dream is to serve in the United States Air Force after he graduates. He wants to serve his country.

"Supporting talented youth like David is not just the right thing to do, it's also the smart thing to do. A recent study shows that the DREAM Act will help boost our economy and make our nation safer. That's why diverse groups, including the U.S. Military, educators, business and faith leaders, have all rallied support behind these talented youth to support this important legislation.

"Now Congress must act. In the coming days, Republican leaders have a chance to rise above the vitriol and anti-immigrant attacks of election season and work with Democrats to take a first step toward addressing one our nation's toughest problems. Will the GOP respond to the calls of thousands of activists from across the country and the will of the majority of Americans and support a DREAM? Or will Republicans put partisan politics ahead of America's best interest and the futures of talented youth like David?

"This week, SEIU is joining activists from across the country to urge Republicans to stand with Democrats and lead. It's time to open the doors of opportunity and pass the DREAM Act".

With 2.2 million members in Canada, the United States and Puerto Rico, SEIU is the fastest-growing union in the Americas. Focused on uniting workers in healthcare, public services and property services, SEIU members are winning better wages, healthcare and more secure jobs for our communities, while uniting their strength with their counterparts around the world to help ensure that workers--not just corporations and CEOs--benefit from today's global economy.

"

###