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Late yesterday evening, House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer announced that the House will take up the American DREAM Act today -- Wednesday, December 8th. Here is a statement from Frank Sharry, Executive Director of America’s Voice:
“The news that the House of Representatives will hold a vote on the DREAM Act on Wednesday is historic. The DREAM Act is supported by educators, the military, small business, organized labor, and religious leaders from across the spectrum. This is the most significant pro-immigrant legislation this chamber will have taken up in a decade. The young people who would benefit from the DREAM Act are patriotic high-achievers who just want a chance to become full citizens of the only country they call home.
“We applaud House Democratic leaders for scheduling a vote on this common sense, bipartisan, and fiscally responsible measure, and call on every Democrat and every Republican in the House to do the right thing. Pass this legislation so that young people who came to this country as babies and grew up as Americans can stabilize their lives and achieve their dreams. Pass this legislation so that our country can continue to benefit from their hard work and talent as they enroll in our universities and enlist in the Armed Forces.
“Tomorrow will be the moment of truth: do you stand with these youth, their hard work, and their dreams, or do you stand for a darker America that would shun them and reject their vital contributions to this country?”
Advocates have been calling their members of Congress all week, but they are being encouraged to make one final round of calls tomorrow: House: 866-967-6018; Senate: 866-996-5161.
For more on the politics and policy, watch Frank on MSNBC this afternoon (above), and check out our DREAM Act resources below the jump.
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Background Briefing: The DREAM Act
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Editorial Boards Call for Passage of the DREAM Act
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Quote Sheet: Passing the DREAM Act Would Benefit the U.S. Military
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Let Us Serve 2010: Stories of DREAM Act Eligible Youth Ready for the Armed Forces
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Fact Sheet: Military and National Security Leaders Support the DREAM Act
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Fact Sheet: Immigrants and the Military
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The DREAM Act: Creating Economic Opportunities
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5 Reasons to Support the DREAM Act
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Letter from Robert Gates, Secretary of Defense, in Support of the DREAM Act
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Letter from Education Secretary Arne Duncan, in Support of the DREAM Act
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Poll: 70 percent of Americans Support the DREAM Act
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Poll: DREAM Act Enjoys Strong Support Across Party Lines
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Poll: Majority of Latino Voters Say Congress Must Pass the DREAM Act
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