HomeBlogComprehensive Immigration ReformWill We Have a Version of the DREAM Act This Year?

Will We Have a Version of the DREAM Act This Year?

  • May 10, 2012
  • Category: Comprehensive Immigration Reform, Dream Act, Obama, Rubio
No Comments

 

Will we have a version of the DREAM Act this year?  I would say yes.  And here is why:

The entire analysis on the DREAM Act boils down to political strategy.  Senator Rubio has been floating his version of the DREAM Act, which does not give DREAMers a pathway to citizenship and permanent residency.  Rubio’s version would give DREAMers  a temporary visa, basically legal status while you attend University and get a degree.  After graduation, the DREAMers would apply for sponsorship from an employer, and presumably, receive an H-1B visa.

Sen. Marco Rubio (R-Fla.) aims to have his alternative to the DREAM Act proposal on paper in the next few weeks and passed by the end of the summer.  “Our goal is to pass something this summer in time for kids who plan to go to school this fall,” Rubio press secretary Alex Conant said Monday.  THE HILL

President Obama does not have an automatic lock on the Hispanic vote.  His Administration has deported record numbers of immigrants and he did not live up to his campaign promise of comprehensive immigration reform.  In addition, his recent support of same-sex marriage could have a negative effect among Hispanic voters.  In a move that could change how Latinos vote in the 2012 Presidential election, Barack Obama became the first U.S. President to announce his support for same-sex marriage Wednesday, revising his longstanding position on the issue.  FOXNEWS LATINO. 

Indications from Senator Rubio’s office are that he will issue the written version of his DREAM Act soon.  With the majority in the House, the Republicans could pass this Bill quickly.  What happens to the Democrats and President then?  If President Obama does not sign the bill, that could throw many Hispanic voters, particularly conservative Hispanic voters, over to the Romney this fall.  If Rubio’s version of the DREAM Act lands on President Obama’s desk this summer or early fall, could he afford to veto it?  I suspect that he could not.  That is why this is a very clever move by Rubio.  It could work for him.

I suspect that the long-term implications of the Rubio DREAM Act are not as important to the GOP as actually winning the White House this Fall. 



Leave a Reply