“Let's stop expelling talented, responsible young people who can be staffing our research labs, starting new businesses, who could be further enriching this nation," exclaimed President Obama last night. 

His State of the Union address, even though mostly geared towards the economy (and so it shouldbe), also made clear reference to the defeated DREAM Act.  His reasoning made sense: Our prestigious universities are open for thousands of foreigners from every countrytocome to study courses and technology we develop right herein the United States, and then go back home to implement what they learned in thebenefit of their own nations.  But then…our educational institutions remain closed for approximately 65,000 undocumented students who reside in the United States, who  in the words of President Obama “…grew up as Americans and pledge allegiance to our flag.”

 Many of these students excel in school, and canbecomeour  future scientists, teachers,and lawyers, and still, their future is grim.  To them, Americais not the land of opportunity;  it is a land of threat. A home country that does not want them.  It truly makes no sense.

Documented or not, the fact isthat a large portion of ouryoungest population is foreign born, and they represent our future.  As President Obama pointed out, “The world has changed”, and we must change accordingly in order to do the best for the benefit of this country.

The DREAM Act is not an idea presented by a few.  It is a project supported by US Secretary of Education, Arne Duncan,  numerous universities around the nation, as well as by a variety of unions, organizations, such as the American Jewish Committee,the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, the American Forces Press Service (from the US Department of Defense), the United Farm Workers, and the Asian American Pacific Islander Youth.  Other organizations like Legal Momentum, and MomsRising,  an online and on-the-ground grassroots organization with over one million members that began in 2006, stated in their letter to Congress:  “The DREAM Act would enhance our country’s economy for years to come. A recent study by the UCLA North American Integration and Development Center (NAID) finds that the estimated 800,000 youth potentially legalized through the DREAM Act will potentially generate $1.38 trillion dollars over their work-life.”  (And as the adage says, mothers always know best).

There are other indications that regarding immigration reform, President Obama is on the right path. A June 2010 poll for a public opinion research project by First Focus, a bipartisan advocacy organization dedicated to making children and families a priority in federal policy and budget decisions,showed that 72% of the population in the United States is in favor of the DREAM Act. 

So, in rejecting this Act, is Congress voicing the wishes of our citizens, or are they following a different agenda?

If our infrastructure has fallen behind, and our educational system is in dire need of repair, so are moral and ethical values.  Taking away from children the opportunity for a better future simply because they don´t have the appropriate documents is not how this country became great.