Washington, DC - Tonight, after the U.S. House of Representatives passed the DREAM Act (HR 5281), Service Employees International Union (SEIU) Secretary-Treasurer Eliseo Medina released the following statement:

Today the U.S. House brought the American DREAM one step closer for hundreds of thousands of our nation's best and brightest. After weeks of debate, rallies and compelling testimonies from educators, faith and military leaders, House Democrats and a short list of courageous Republicans proved that it is possible in our increasingly poisonous political environment to find solutions to serious problems.

"As a result of their leadership, DREAM students like Walter Lara and Gaby Pacheco are closer to being able to fulfill their potential and no longer live in fear of deportation to a country they do not remember. Young patriots like David Cho are closer to having the opportunity to serve the country that they love.

"Tomorrow, the U.S. Senate will have a chance to seal the deal. The Senate will have the opportunity rise above the cynicism and pettiness of partisanship to solve a serious immigration problem and stand up for America's greatest values of justice and opportunity. Will they put common sense and pragmatism above intolerance and partisanship?

"We will be watching closely to see which Senators choose to rise above the deadening partisanship in Washington. We will be watching closely to see who will be "dream killers" rather than pass smart common sense legislation that helps our economy, shores up our military, and opens the doors of opportunity to these high-achieving youth."

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.

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