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The Breakdown: Does the DREAM Act Have a Future?

In the face of massive GOP opposition, what are some possible ways forward for politicians, voters and activists working for humane immigration reform?

Chris Hayes

September 24, 2010

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This Tuesday Senate Republicans successfully filibustered a defense authorization bill to which Democrats had attempted to attach the DREAM Act, leaving immigrant rights activists to question the future of the now-stalled legislation. Standing for Development, Relief and Education for Alien Minors, the DREAM Act would allow some undocumented immigrants who came to the US as children to earn legal status by completing two years of college or military service.  On this week's episode of The Breakdown, DC Editor Chris Hayes and immigration expert Angela Maria Kelley explore the future of the DREAM Act and possible ways forward for politicians, voters and activists working for humane immigration reform.

This Tuesday Senate Republicans successfully filibustered a defense authorization bill to which Democrats had attempted to attach the DREAM Act, leaving immigrant rights activists to question the future of the now-stalled legislation. Standing for Development, Relief and Education for Alien Minors, the DREAM Act would allow some undocumented immigrants who came to the US as children to earn legal status by completing two years of college or military service. On this week’s episode of The Breakdown, DC Editor Chris Hayes and immigration expert Angela Maria Kelley explore the future of the DREAM Act and possible ways forward for politicians, voters and activists working for humane immigration reform.

 

Related Links

More information on our guest, Angela Maria Kelley. Full text of DREAM Act 2009. Colin Powell’s statement in support of the DREAM Act. A video of Senator Dick Durbin criticizing Republicans for blocking the DREAM Act.

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Chris HayesTwitterChris Hayes is the Editor-at-Large of The Nation and host of “All In with Chris Hayes” on MSNBC.


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