The amendment that passed the committee is identical to S 2075, which Senators Durbin, Chuck Hagel (R-NE), and Richard Lugar (R-IN) introduced late last year.  Remarkably, it passed on a voice vote with no amendments or debate.  This represents an even stronger endorsement of the DREAM Act than 2003's 16-3 vote in the same committee.

     Note that the underlying immigration reform bill to which the DREAM Act was attached is extraordinarily complex and controversial, with both good and unacceptable provisions.  We will send out additional information about this larger bill in the coming days.  The bill and its harshly punitive House counterpart have been the subject of intense publicity and debate, including rallies and marches that have attracted nearly a million people nationwide.  Despite the outpouring of activity, the ultimate outcome in Congress is very much in doubt.  Many observers believe that no such ambitious bill will be enacted this year.   

     For this reason, it is still true that the DREAM Act is more likely to be enacted as a part of  some other piece of legislation, separate from the immigration bill and away from the broader debate over immigration.   

     Advocates continue to argue that the DREAM Act is not really much about immigration policy.  Rather, it is about the treatment and future of young people who are already in the United States and who have grown up in our communities.  As we have said all along, DREAM Act kids should be taken off of the battlefield of the immigration wars.   

     Still, passage by the Judiciary Committee is a huge step forward for the DREAM Act.  It will make it far easier to bring the bill to the floor at the appropriate time.  The DREAM Act is also progressing on other fronts behind the scenes.  

     Click here for basic information about the DREAM Act.