We were extremely disappointed to read last month that the U.S. Senate failed to pass the National Defense Authorization Act because only 57 of its 100 members supported the bill on a party-line vote. We miss the days when the defeat of a bill authorizing military operations at the hands of arcane procedural shenanigans was major news. Sadly, such shenanigans have become par for the course in the Senate.
This vote was particularly unfortunate because of an important piece of legislation that was expected to be attached to the defense bill. The Development, Relief, and Education for Alien Minors (DREAM) Act would grant legal residence to undocumented immigrants who came to the United States as children and attend college or join the military.
Polls indicate that about two-thirds of Americans support the act, and it has in the past enjoyed overwhelming bipartisan support in Congress. Seven years ago, the DREAM Act was sponsored by two Republican senators and passed the Judiciary Committee in a Republican-controlled Senate by a 16-3 vote. For now, however, partisan bickering has killed the bill.
The Herald reported last week on the heart-wrenching predicament faced by undocumented students. Many of these students have been in the country since they were quite young and did not consciously choose to violate immigration law. Some of them even expressed frustration at their parents for putting them in a situation where they must constantly worry about being found out and punished.
The DREAM Act would remove the terrifying spectre of deportation and ensure these students won't be sent away to what is to them essentially a foreign country. Moreover, by encouraging college attendance and providing a path to legality, the act can give new opportunities to would-be innovators and entrepreneurs who will contribute to the American economy. According to the Herald article, some students are uncertain of how their status might impact college admissions and have been advised by their high school counselors not to apply to college or to go to a community college instead.
We commend the University for trying to ease the burden on undocumented students. By treating them as international students, Brown avoids the problems associated with their lack of Social Security numbers and other difficulties imposed by immigration laws. It is still lamentable that national politicians are using these students and future ones like them as pawns in a political game.
Fortunately, there is still hope. The Senate will come back into session after the midterm elections but before the newly elected senators are sworn in. The defense bill, which includes military pay raises, is usually considered must-pass. If there is enough support, the DREAM legislation might come up then.
Rhode Island's delegation in the Senate supported the DREAM Act the first time around, and we hope they continue to fight for its passage. The idea that senators might put aside counterproductive partisanship and pass an important bill seems a little farfetched these days. But at least we can dream.
Editorials are written by The Herald's editorial page board. Send comments to editorials@browndailyherald.com.
