UNDOCUMENTED YOUTH TO SUE U.S. SENATE FOR BLOCKING DREAM ACT LEGISLATION WITH FILLIBUSTER RULE

WASHINGTON, May 14, 2012 – After years of advocacy and risking deportation numerous times, undocumented youth in 2010 were able to push for the DREAM Act to be voted on in the U.S. House and Senate. The DREAM Act would allow undocumented youth a path to legal status if they graduated from college or the military.
 
The lives of thousandths of youth from all over the country, who constantly live in fear of deportation, were depending on this legislation to pass. However, despite the fact that 70% of Americans support the DREAM Act and the House passed the bill with a majority vote, it failed to pass in the Senate due to the filibuster rule. Although a majority, 55 Senators, voted yes, a minority blocked this DREAM from becoming a reality.
 
The DREAM Act is only one of many important bills receiving majority support from both houses only to fall prey to filibuster. DREAMers and DRM Capitol Group members will join as plaintiffs to send a strong message that obstructionist politics will no longer find a place in our democracy.
 
WHO:  Undocumented Youth: Erika Andiola, Celso Mireles, and Caesar Vargas
Bob Edgar, president and CEO of Common Cause
U.S. Reps. Michael Michaud, D-ME, Hank Johnson, D-GA and Keith Ellison D-MN
Attorney Emmet Bondurant of Bondurant, Mixson & Elmore
 
WHAT:  Potential DREAM Act beneficiaries and Common Cause will announce the filing and details of a lawsuit against the US Senate and its use of rules that routinely shut down debate, prevent lawmakers from doing their jobs and make a mockery of the legislative process.
 
WHEN: Tuesday, May 15, 9:30 a.m.
 
WHERE: Cannon House Office Building, Room 334
 

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DRM Capitol Group serves as a voice for undocumented youth and lobbying arm of the dream movement. Our work ensures that undocumented youth are represented in the halls of power and are correctly and directly informed of the actions of Congress, Executive Agencies, and the Courts.

drmcapitolgroup.com