WASHINGTON, DC -- SEIU applauds the introduction of the DREAM Act by Senate Democratic Whip Richard Durbin (D-IL) and more than 30 senators, and also in the House where a bipartisan bill has been offered by Rep. Howard Berman, D-Calif. and Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen, R-Fla. The DREAM Act, which won House approval last December but failed in the Senate, is a limited measure that lets immigrant youths serve in the military, earn an education and contribute to the economy of the country where they have grown up. SEIU International Secretary-Treasurer EliseoMedina issued the following statement:

It has been reported that a son of Mexican immigrants who was born in the U.S. was among the American heroes in the Navy SEALs squadron that brought Osama Bin Laden to justice. The report reminded us of the dreams of millions of youths in our country who want to serve the country that is their home but cannot advance because they were brought into this country without proper documents.

"The DREAM Act would let these children apply for legal status after meeting a two-year college requirement or serving in the U.S. military. It is an investment in our nation's future and our economic and national security.

"By calling on Congress to resume debate on the DREAM Act, the bill's sponsors are reaffirming public support for this common sense bill.

"According to DHS, each person deported costs the U.S. treasury $12,500. It is irresponsible and futile to thousands of dollars deporting honor students. Last month, 22 senators wrote to President Obama, urging his administration to conserve Homeland Security resources by deferring deportation action against young people who would meet the rigorous requirements of the proposed DREAM Act. The senators argued, quoting the President's State of the Union message, that we should 'stop expelling talented, responsible young people who could be staffing our research labs or starting a new business, who could be further enriching this nation.'

"Now, Congress has another chance to pass the DREAM Act. Let's hope hard-liner Republicans will refrain from the politics of fear and the pandering to the worst elements of their party.

"The DREAMers have not given up. Neither should Congress."

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