Statement on Senate Action on Legislation Providing Citizenship Opportunities for Illegal Alien Minors
December 18, 2010

In an incredibly disappointing vote today, a minority of Senators prevented the Senate from doing what most Americans understand is best for the country. As I said last week, when the House passed the "DREAM Act," it is not only the right thing to do for talented young people who seek to serve a country they know as their own, it is the right thing for the United States of America. Our Nation is enriched by their talents and would benefit from the success of their efforts. The "DREAM Act" is important to our economic competitiveness, military readiness, and law enforcement efforts. And as the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office reported, the "DREAM Act" would cut the deficit by $2.2 billion over the next 10 years. There was simply no reason not to pass this important legislation.

It is disappointing that common sense did not prevail today. But my administration will not give up on the "DREAM Act" or on the important business of fixing our broken immigration system. The American people deserve a serious debate on immigration, and it’s time to take the polarizing rhetoric off our national stage.

I thank Senators Durbin, Reid, and Menendez for their tireless efforts. Moving forward, my administration will continue to do everything we can to fix our Nation’s broken immigration system so that we can provide lasting and dedicated resources for our border security, while at the same time, restoring responsibility and accountability to the system at every level.

NOTE: The Office of the Press Secretary also released a Spanish language version of this statement.

Categories: Statements by the President : Citizenship opportunities for illegal alien minors, legislation providing, Senate action.

Names: Durbin, Richard J.; Menendez, Robert; Reid, Harry.

Subjects: Budget, Federal : Deficit and national debt; Congress : Senate :: Majority leader; Immigration and naturalization : Reform; Legislation, proposed : "Development, Relief, and Education for Alien Minors (DREAM) Act of 2010".

DCPD Number: DCPD201001082.