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It's time Congress did right thing

Nov. 30, 2010 12:00 AM

The economic benefits and all-American humanity behind the Dream Act have been buried under a mountain of political spit wads. In truth, the Dream Act simply provides a shot at legal status for undocumented children who grew up saluting the American flag.

It does not reward lawbreakers. It's for kids who stayed out of trouble.

It is not amnesty. It requires college or military service to qualify.

Using politically charged words to derail this measure is unfair.

Those who would benefit from the Dream Act came across the border as children. They did not make a choice to break the law. They did what their parents told them to do. Many were not even aware they were undocumented as they went to school and dreamed of what they wanted to be when they grew up. Doctors. Lawyers. Entrepreneurs. Teachers. Politicians.

These children represent a youthful potential in an aging nation. America should not squander this resource. The Dream Act applies to children who have been educated in this country and are on the threshold of giving back their communities.

It began as a bipartisan effort nearly a decade ago. Both Democrats and Republicans deserve credit for recognizing this need. Both Democrats and Republicans also deserve blame for helping defeat the Dream Act in years past.

The bill should be passed now. It should be passed the right way.

An effort to attach the Dream Act to a defense-authorization bill earlier this year was widely decried as underhanded. Democratic Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid now promises to bring it up as a stand-alone bill during the lame-duck Congress.

Republicans, flush from victories attributed to conservatives and ready to take control of the House next year, are not expected to go along with what might look like a victory for President Barack Obama.

Yet conservatives have plenty of cover to support this bill.

A group called Conservatives for Comprehensive Immigration Reform includes the National Association of Evangelicals, World Relief and the Southern Baptist Convention. This week, the group applauded GOP Sen. Richard Lugar for co-sponsoring the Dream Act and expressed hope that others, "especially our conservative brothers and sisters, understand the economic and moral urgency of making these young people's dreams a reality before the end of 2010."

In supporting "a clear path to citizenship through military service," Defense Secretary Robert Gates says the Dream Act will help recruitment and military readiness.

It can also help the nation meet its future demand for doctors, lawyers, entrepreneurs, teachers - and even politicians. That's good for America.

Today's politicians need to recognize the humanity of these young people and acknowledge the benefits they can bring to a nation that embraces them.

The Arizona Republic is just one of many voices in Arizona and across the nation calling on our leaders to do the right thing and pass the DREAM Act. Sens. Kyl and McCain, are you listening?