A Dream Deferred: Senate Votes Against The DREAM Act

by Wendaline Perez

Hope was at an all-time high yesterday (September 21) among youth, political and community activists around the nation who have been relentlessly advocating for the passage of the DREAM act - which would give the chance for thousands of undocumented students to remain in the U.S. legally and pursue a higher education – as they awaited to hear the Senate’s verdict on the passage of the Defense Authorization Act, which included passing the DREAM Act as an Amendment this afternoon. Unfortunately their DREAM evaporated when a group of Republican senators voted to block the defense bill in the Senate.

photo via Getty Images

The Senate failed to raise the necessary 60 votes to pass the Defense Authorization Act, but it was in no doubt a close call. The vote was uncertain all the way up to the vote as Democratic leaders were reportedly trying to negotiate an agreement with Republican senators who were against the bill to reach the 60-vote count they needed to proceed. In the end, the vote was 56 to 43 against proceeding to the Defense Authorization Act.

Deferral of the DREAM Act is a setback to DREAM Act advocates who were hopeful they had the votes to pass the bill this time. Mary Giovagnoli, Director of the Immigration Policy Center, responded quickly to the Senate’s decision stating:

"The Senators who voted 'no' today are ignoring unequivocal evidence that the DREAM Act is good for military readiness, the American workforce and the U.S. economy. The energy and enthusiasm of thousands of young people who have poured themselves into promoting the DREAM Act has not been wasted, however. Because of their efforts, more people today understand the importance of DREAM to our economy, our military, and the future of our country than ever before."

What do you think about the Senate’s rejection of the DREAM Act? Sound off in the comments below or @MTV3!

Tags Cultura, Education, Immigration, Politics, the DREAM Act