Dream Act's import not just for immigrants
Undocumented UCLA student Leslie Perez, 22, weeps while watching a televised debate of the Dream Act in the Senate at the UCLA Downtown Labor Center in Los Angeles. (Dec. 18, 2010) Credit: AP
Regarding "LIers weigh in on Dream Act impact" [News, Dec. 11], your story describes the disappointment of Hispanic and Asian activists at the Senate's failure to pass the Dream Act. This disappointment is shared by many other Long Islanders. I'm a Caucasian U.S.-born citizen, and one of a majority of American voters who support the Dream Act. Citizens from all walks of life are lamenting the Senate's decision, not just for what it will mean for our immigrant friends and neighbors, but also for the impact it will have on our communities and the future of our nation.
Under the Dream Act, more of our nations' youth could attend college and advance their education; our workforce would gain more motivated doctors, lawyers, nurses, teachers and other professionals; and our economy would be bolstered by the additional contributions of Dream students. This most recent setback for the Dream Act is a loss for all of us.
Juliana E. Morris
Miller Place
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