Asleep on the DREAM

The nightmare of illegal immigration was one of the hot topics of 2008 political debates. Candidates and civilians alike had strong opinions on how to deal with the influx of the undocumented--and untaxed--people living in the states. However, while Congressional Democrats have proposed a solution, it seems that Washington is reluctant to wake up from this bad DREAM.

What is it?
The DREAM Act stands for the Development, Relief, and Education of Alien Minors Act and was proposed by Senator Richard Durbin (D, IL) and Representative Howard Berman (D, CA) in 2009. Targeting non-citizen youth, the Act would provide citizenship to young people who lived in the states for five consecutive years before the passing of the bill in exchange for enlisting in the armed forces or going to college. Other requirements include a high school diploma or GED from an accredited American school, falling between ages 12 and 35 during the time of application, and being a person of good moral character--no criminal background.

Why not?
The DREAM Act is a less comprehensive but nonetheless effective solution to America's illegal immigration woes. However, not only has the Act received minimal attention in the media but when it comes to action, many in from both sides of the Congressional party lines, are still in a deep slumber.

The LA Times reported that though the bill passed in the House with a vote of 216 to 198,  only eight House Republicans voted in favor. More startling was the 38 democrats who were opposed to yet another initiative of their party.

The next step--the Senate--will be an altogether new obstacle. From the LA Times:

Obama called on the Senate to follow suit.

The bill could come up there as soon as Thursday but is unlikely to attract the necessary 60 votes to overcome a filibuster. Republican senators have vowed to block all legislation until a stalemate over the George W. Bush-era tax cuts is resolved. Obama and the GOP have reached a deal, but Democrats haven't signed on.

How do Americans Tally Up?
 A Gallup poll taken earlier this month showed that majority of Americans embrace the DREAM Act. In terms of party, to no surprise democrats and independents supported the act while well over half of republicans polled opposed it.

More interesting, however, is how those statistics stacked up when broken down by demographics such as age and race. Young adults were more favorable of the DREAM Act while majority of Americans ages 65 and above, opposed.

(For full article see Gallup poll shortcut in text)

What now?

As the installation of the new Congress on January 5th nears, the lame-duck session must come to an agreement on President Obama's key initiatives like the DREAM Act or cause what could be his own 'Nightmare on Pennsylvania Avenue' for the remaining two years of his administration.