House Narrowly Passes DREAM Act

Yesterday, the US House of Representatives narrowly approved the DREAM Act, a law that would legalize many illegal aliens if they meet certain criteria. The vote was close, 216 to 198.
http://www.politico.com/news/stories/1210/46175.html

A bill that would provide a path to citizenship for young illegal immigrants cleared the House on Wednesday night, but now faces a daunting test in the Senate.

After a two-hour floor debate, the House passed the DREAM Act along mostly partisan lines, 216 to 198, with 38 Democrats voting against the bill and 8 Republicans supporting it.

Stalled in Congress for the past decade, the DREAM Act would provide “green cards” – and eventually the opportunity for citizenship — to some illegal immigrants who were brought to the country as children — if they attend college or join the military for two years.

To be eligible, beneficiaries must have come to the U.S. before the age of 16; be under the age of 30; lived in the country for five years; pass a criminal background test; and have a high school diploma or GED equivalent.

Even without the eight Republican crossover votes, the bill still would have passed with a vote of 208 - 206.


So, who were the eight Republicans who voted in favor of it? They would be Cao LA, Castle DE, Djou HI, Ehlers MI, Inglis SC, Ros-Lehtinen FL and Diaz FL, and Balarts FL.

Whether or not the bill passes the Senate will depend largely upon the Republicans, and I still don't find them particularly trustworthy. Time will tell, but my trust isn't fully extended, yet.