One aspect of those riders is particularly troubling. It was 14 years ago that I introduced the DREAM Act. a simple concept. Children brought to the United States by their parents who are undocumented should be given a chancesimple. Children who were brought to the United States as infants and toddlers and had no voice in the decision of their family and end up here undocumented should be given a chancea chance to complete school. to be good citizens. to go on to college. to serve in the military. and then a path to legal status. It is not a radical idea. At times many Republicans have openly supported the DREAM Act. When we couldnt pass it I appealed to the President. at least protect these DREAMers from being deported. These kids did nothing wrong. They were brought here by their parents. Why hold these children accountable? The President agreed and 21/2 years ago created DACA. DACA is an Executive order that says to these young people who would otherwise qualify for the DREAM Act. you come forward. you identify yourself. you let us make sure you have no criminal record that would be of worry to anyone. pay your fee. and we will allow you to temporarily stay in the United States as a student or a worker without being deported. It is just that simple. We estimate 2 million young children are eligible for the DREAM Act2 millionand 600.000 have already registered under DACA. the Presidents Executive order. What did the House Republicans say? They said. before we will fund the Department of Homeland Security protecting America against terrorism. you have to deport the DREAMers. refuse to renew the DACA protection for 600.000 who have signed up. and refuse to allow any new young person to sign up for this protection. I have come to the floor for a long period of time and I will continue to because I want people to know what the DREAM Act means. It is something.
Keywords matched
deported undocumented DACA