Lawmakers push pro-immigrant bill
SERGIO R.BUSTOS
Miami Herald
Mar 12, 2007
Two Miami lawmakers will join several pro-immigrant groups today to urge passage of a bill in Congress that could help thousands of undocumented immigrant students attend college and become legal residents.
Rep. Lincoln Diaz-Balart, R-Fla., and his brother, Rep. Mario Diaz-Balart, R-Fla., will team up with the Florida Immigrant Coalition and other groups to promote ``The American Dream Act.''
The bill, if passed, would grant in-state tuition to undocumented immigrant students and permit those students, along with those serving in the military, to obtain a green card and legally remain in the United States.
Passage won't be easy. Similar bills have languished in Congress over the years, with most Republicans opposed to any kind of legislation that would provide benefits to those who broke the law in entering the country.
This year may be different. Most Democrats, who now control both the Senate and the House, tend to support such a law. And President Bush, a Republican, favors legislation that would allow illegal immigrants to earn legal residency.
