September 9 ,2010 
by JuanSaaa
George LeMieux meets Dream Act advocates!
After months of intense emailing, countless calls, and several visits of waiting, our appointment was finally granted! Maybe the recently published Florida Trend article featuring Senator George LeMieux of Florida was onto something, but a six month turn around for an appointment make the autor’s credibility a little hard for DREAM Act advocates to digest.
Senator George LeMieux met with student leaders today to discuss his position on the Dream Act, and what his views are on the pending legislation which expected to be voted on before the November elections. The meeting itself consisted of and exchange between the Senator and those present in the room, with questions ranging from what exactly would happen to the in-state tuition clause if the Dream Act were to pass, how undocumented students are affected across the state of Florida, and whether or not the Dream Act would become a reality this year. Interestingly enough, it was his desire to see the bill come to a vote and to seek a resolution to the current immigration system.
In the past, LeMieux has always given brief responses about the Dream Act, and his staff has been very reactive to student comments and actions. However, up to this point no concrete statement of support has been given, but rather a comment of understanding to the current situation of undocumented students. LeMieux explained his sympathy and understanding to the struggle not only of undocumented students, but that of immigrants across the nation. He was very swift to say, that he is not against the Dream Act in any way but, rather, that the possibilities of it coming up to the floor were minimal in his mind.
Advocates pressed the Senator, and expressed their views as to passing the Dream Act as a downpayment to a broader reform. With responses addressing the need for further border securities, advocates pointed out the recent passage of 600$ border budget courtesy Biometric Schumer from New York. “With so much piecemeal enforcement legislation, isn’t it time that the immigrant community has a win?” ask Dustin Daniels, a student at Florida State University who has sponsored resolutions on behalf of DREAM. Dustin presented the Senator with letters of state university presidents, student government resolutions, and over 2,000 petition signatures of Florida residents to Senator LeMieux, many of these documents have been published on our site in the past.
This is not the first time that a similar response has been given to students, often considered by members of S.W.E.R and other statewide organizations as as the political runaround to walk past the issue. However, staffers assured the attendees that they are looking to reach an understanding and common ground to work together rather than against one another.
With support spreading all across the state of Florida (reports tell us University of South Florida has passed a Dream Act resolution), we continue to seek out the support of Senator LeMieux and his understanding of what is best for the Sunshine State. We thank supporters such as America’s Voice, Florida Immigrant Coalition, Trail of Dreams, and RI4A who stood up with immigrant youth today and will continue to do so until the Dream Act is passed!
If you have not done so yet, make sure George LeMieux hears your support for the Dream Act!
1-888-254-5087
Posted under : News Article,Opinion Piece,School Endorsements,Student Activism | View Comments
