Diaz-Balart and Berman Reintroduce the "DREAM Act" in the US House of Representatives

WASHINGTON, DC – Congressmen Howard Berman (D-CA) and Lincoln Diaz-Balart (R-FL), announced the reintroduction of the DREAM Act in the U.S. House of Representatives. This legislation will restore the States´ rights to determine residency requirements for higher education benefits – giving states the option to provide in-state tuition. The American DREAM Act seeks to facilitate access to postsecondary educational opportunities for immigrant students in the United States who currently face barriers in pursuing a college education. It also provides a path to U.S. legal residency for students, and military personnel.

"Our students and brave soldiers should not be punished for a decision which was made by their parents, in which they often played no role. The Supreme Court has prohibited states from barring undocumented students from attending primary and secondary schools. Unfortunately, once these students graduate from high school, their educational aspirations are often halted," said Diaz-Balart.

Each year thousands of undocumented children, raised and educated in this country, are unable to pursue a higher education. Lack of access to federal financial assistance programs, and other immigration status created obstacles, essentially bar many of these aspiring youth from attending college. As these young people lose educational opportunity, our country loses their potential contributions as active and educated professionals.