You can see the exchange over the Senate Judiciary Committee, at the 50:15 mark or simply above (excuse the poor quality). While it is a simple remark in a committee meeting, we can highlight this moment as the first time that a member of the Obama administration publicly – and on the record – supported a specific legislative proposal to give legal status to people who are currently undocumented.

Durbin:

Could you tell me your opinion of the Dream Act?

NAPOLITANO: Yes, Senator.

As a governor of a border state, this is one of — this is one of those areas where everyone wants the immigration law enforced. We must enforce it. It’s part of our national sovereignty, among other things. On the other hand, we have to have the ability to deal with some of the human issues that arise here. And the one that you have identified is one of the most acute.

I supported the Dream Act when I was governor. I support it now. One of the most moving things I’ve been privileged to do as secretary is to administer the oath of citizenship to men and women in our military who have been serving in Iraq, who were not citizens, who have elected to become citizen. In a way, it kind of mirrors what you’re talking about in the Dream Act.

But it seems to me that the Dream Act is a good piece of legislation and a good idea.