House and Senate Democratic leaders have planned an evening vote Wednesday to advance legislation to legalize young immigrants, over the opposition of most Republicans and several in their own party.
Critics call the so-called Dream Act backdoor amnesty for lawbreakers because it has no cap or end-date and allows applicants to have committed up to two misdemeanor crimes.
According to Foxnews.com, the memo lists assault, domestic violence, sexual abuse, reckless driving, and various types of fraud as among those crimes that would not disqualify applicants.
The legislation would give illegal immigrants brought to the United States before the age of 16, and who have been here for five years and graduated from high school or gained an equivalency degree, a chance to gain legal status if they joined the military or attended college.
The Congressional Budget Office has estimated that one version of the bill that applies to immigrants aged 35 and under would let more than 1 million apply for legal status over the next 10 years, and potentially allow 500,000 to receive it. A newer version of the bill only applies to those under 30, which supporters say would limit it to 300,000 or so.
Republican lawmakers also have concerns about the economic effects of the bill.
“The bill subsidizes education for illegal immigrants, grants them amnesty, encourages more illegal immigration and inevitably takes jobs from American workers. In short, the Dream Act is a nightmare for the American people,” Rep. Lamar Smith, R-Texas, said in a written statement Wednesday. “American voters want to see our immigration laws enforced, not ignored.”
Some Hispanic activists are as much against the legislation, as those who are for it. Carmen Morales, Latino activist and a leader of the Progressives for Immigration Reform, along with members of his coalition, attended a protest against the legislation in New Jersey Wednesday.
“[Latino leaders] are here to send a strong message to Congress that as Latinos, we stand staunchly opposed to any measure that puts Americans at a disadvantage and rewards illegal behavior," Morales said.
The associated Press contributed to this report.
congressional budget office, democratic leaders, legislation, republicans
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