Dream Act: Do You Think Illegal Immigrant College Students Should Be Granted Amnesty?
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Dec. 3, 2010— -- Secretary of Homeland Security Janet Napolitano has again thrown her support behind the Dream Act as lame-duck lawmakers consider whether to pass the bill that would grant amnesty to some young illegal immigrants.
Napolitano told reporters that the Dream Act could improve border security, allowing authorities to focus on illegal immigrants who have criminal records.
"What makes sense is to allow these young people a way to adjust their immigration status that is firm but fair," Napolitano said during a conference call.
The Dream Act would provide a path to U.S. residency for illegal immigrants who came to the U.S. before age 16 and who have a high school diploma, and meet other requirements.
President Obama supports the measure, and student activists have been pushing lawmakers to vote in favor of it during the lame-duck session.
Some critics say that with the country facing such high unemployment, giving illegal immigrants work permits is the wrong move. Although the bill has some bipartisan support, Republicans largely oppose it.
Our question to you today: Should Congress pass the Dream Act?
The Associated Press contributed to this report.