Undocumented Cal Student Reflects On DREAM Defeat
BERKELEY (CBS/KCBS) -- When the Development, Relief and Education for Alien Minors Act, (DREAM) failed to win approval in the U.S. Senate Saturday, the future became bleak and uncertain at best for several million immigrants who go to college or serve in the military to earn their legal status in America.
Mario, a senior at UC Berkeley, studying political science and public policy, has been deeply involved in rallying support for the controversial piece of legislation that would have legalized students and service members brought to the country illegally before age 16.
KCBS' Tim Ryan Reports:
He admits he is undocumented and said he came to the U.S. when he was four-years-old and has lived here for almost 20 years.
Mario called the failed attempt to win enough votes in the Senate, "devastating".
"With each year that passes by, I just get more anxious about what the future may hold for me and for my fellow undocumented peers," he said.
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi was jubilant over one victory; the vote to repeal Don't Ask, Don't Tell, but clearly disappointed in the failure of the Dream Act.
"Our hope would be to have comprehensive immigration reform, strengthen our borders, protect our workers, have a path to legalization for people who are here," she said. But it was too late.
Republicans had already filibustered the legislation, calling it an example of immigration amnesty
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