A positive step, but Dream Act is still needed

The U.S. immigration system is broken and can be repaired only through comprehensive reform. One key element of such reform is that Congress pass the Development, Relief and Education for Alien Minors (DREAM) Act. In fact, passing this common-sense measure should be a top priority.But, until comprehensive reform and the DREAM Act are achieved, the government must focus its limited enforcement resources on removal of the undocumented immigrants who have been convicted of serious crimes or who pose threats to national security not on undocumented youths who are long-standing, productive members of our communities brought to America as children by their parents through no fault of their own. Hence, I support the new federal order that will make these young immigrants eligible for deferred action a temporary, two-year-long reprieve from the threat of deportation.

The new federal order applies to undocumented youths typically brought here as very young children -- who know only the United States as their home. They identify themselves as Americans. Their love for our country is often so deep that it leads them to serve proudly in uniform and sacrifice for our freedom. All they want to do is to stay in the United States so they can fulfill the American dream by finishing their education, joining the military or becoming employed. These young immigrants offer tremendous knowledge, skills and talents that are essential for our country to compete in a global economy.Mariano Cardoso Jr. is one of these young people. Mariano was brought here by his parents when he was less than 2 years old. He has lived in New Britain, Conn., since then. He has no criminal record. In fact, he is an outstanding member of his community. After he was inexplicably threatened with deportation, my office helped Mariano obtain deferred action, enabling him to stay in the United States. A month later, he graduated from Capital Community College in Hartford with an associate's degree in liberal arts and plans to become a civil engineer. What he wants most to do is to contribute to his community.

Under the new order, undocumented young people like Mariano are eligible for deferred action if they meet specific criteria the same criteria to be eligible for the DREAM Act. They must have been brought here younger than 16, but must not be over the age of 30. They must have no criminal record, and pose no threat to national security or public safety. They also must have resided in the U.S. continuously for five years prior to June 15, 2012, and be a student, high school graduate or an honorably discharged veteran. Of the approximately 11 million undocumented immigrants who live in the United States, only 800,000 meet all of these criteria, proving that amnesty for this small, low-priority immigrant population would not mean amnesty for all immigrants.The new order makes meaningful improvements to the inconsistent, ill-considered practice that has persisted for too long, depending on unfettered discretion in deciding on deferred action. In past practice, the eligibility requirements were not clear, bureaucratic decisions were largely discretionary, immigrants could not apply directly, and a reprieve was available only for one year. Consequently, my office often had to work with federal agencies on behalf of undocumented youths in Connecticut like Mariano who were living under the threat of deportation. These young immigrants desperately needed an advocate to help them cut through the bureaucratic maze.

Although the new order makes meaningful improvements to past practice, the DREAM Act is still needed. Passing the DREAM Act would provide undocumented youths with a path to citizenship  letting them earn permanent legal status through education or military service. In other words, the legal status of undocumented youths would not be dependent on the whims of the Executive Branch, preventing future administrations from forcing these young immigrants back into the shadows. Ultimately, passing the DREAM Act would provide much needed certainty and security to deserving dreamers who have already given so much to our country. That is why I am a strong supporter of the DREAM Act and why, last year, I joined 33 other senators in reintroducing this common-sense measure. By failing to pass the DREAM Act, Congress leaves undocumented youths vulnerable to crime and under-the-table work, both of which hurt our society and economy.Comprehensive immigration reform -- achieved through bipartisan congressional action must still be our priority. I am committed to that goal, which should include passage of the DREAM Act. Productive, longstanding members of our communities, brought to the United States as children by their parents through no fault of their own, should be given the opportunity to contribute to the nation and communities that command their love and loyalty. Passing the DREAM Act is merely keeping faith with the American dream.