FAIR Applauds Senate Defeat of the "Recurring" DREAM Act Amnesty

(Washington, D.C. - October 24, 2007)

The Federation for American Immigration Reform (FAIR) called the defeat today of the DREAM Act (S.2205) an important victory for Americans and a clear indication that the public will not be fooled by efforts to enact amnesty piece by piece. The 52-44 vote on a motion to proceed fell far short of the 60 votes necessary as the public, once again, vocally opposed amnesty legislation.

Today's failed attempt to pass the DREAM Act was the third time amnesty supporters ignored overwhelming public opposition to amnesty since June. This latest defeat should seriously discourage other efforts to reward illegal aliens and clear the way for Congress to move ahead with meaningful immigration enforcement.

"Once again, it is clear that the only mandate that Congress has with regard to immigration is to enforce our laws, secure our borders, and protect our jobs," said Dan Stein, president of FAIR. "It's time for Congress to focus on the concerns of the American people, instead of the agenda of the people who have broken our laws."

After failing to get the DREAM Act attached as an amendment to other legislation, Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.) attempted to bring the bill to the floor as a stand-alone bill on short notice, hoping to avoid the sort of public attention that the protracted Bush-Kennedy bill attracted. FAIR, together with other immigration reform groups, and working closely with talk radio and other media, led the effort to inform the American people of this latest effort to pass an amnesty.

"Today's vote proves that an active and informed public can prevail over the special interests who continually seek control of U.S. immigration policies," Stein continued.

The defeat of the DREAM Act may also have wider implications, predicted FAIR. Other special interests had a series of amnesty bills ready to go had the DREAM Act succeeded. However, a statement made by the Act's prime sponsor, Majority Whip Richard Durbin (D-Ill.), indicated that these other measures will not be considered for the remainder of this Congress.

"The Senate has wasted enough time promoting legislation that would reward illegal immigrants and their employers. It is time for them to focus on immigration enforcement and attending to the many other important issues that face our nation," concluded Stein.