Rep. Lofgren Co-Sponsors American Dream Act

March 29, 2007

Bill Would Reward Hard Work and Foster Educational Opportunities

Representative Zoe Lofgren (D-CA) signed on as co-sponsor of the bipartisan American Dream Act (H.R.1275), introduced by Reps. Howard Berman (D-CA) and Lucille Roybal-Allard (D-CA) and co-sponsored by Rep. Lincoln Diaz-Balart (R-FL). The bill would provide a path to legal immigration status for college-bound children who have lived most of their lives in this country, but do not have legal immigration status. Under the American Dream Act, qualified students would be eligible for temporary legal immigration status upon high school graduation that would lead to permanent legal residency if they go to college or serve in the military.

“As a nation, we are faced with ever increasing economic competition from developing nations,” said Rep. Lofgren. “To effectively compete in an ever expanding global market, we must ensure that we continue to have the most educated workforce in the world. Whether in college or in the military, we must give all qualified young people the education that will keep America strong.”

“We should not penalize innocent children for the actions of their parents,” continued Rep. Lofgren. “Fairness and justice have always been hallmarks of our great nation. Many of these young people have no memory of their birth nations, many speak only English. It is right to give them the opportunity to work toward legal status. These determined and dedicated young people need the chance to become productive members of our society.”