The U.S. Senate may take up the DREAM Act tomorrow. The immigration reform bill aimed at students is likely to be opposed by both North Carolina senators.
The Dream Act is a bi-partisan bill first introduced in Congress in 2001. It passed the U.S. House last week It allows the children of illegal immigrants to attend college or enter the military, with the opportunity to pursue a path to legal citizenship.
Sianneth is in this country illegally, brought here when she was 11 years old by her parents. She will graduate from nursing school at UNC Charlotte on Saturday, but will not be able to get a nursing job because of her immigration:
"I want to be a part of this community, I want to benefit this community, I want to be an active member and official member of this community. Right now, I’m kind of invisible and I can’t serve this community like I want to."
Republican Senator Richard Burr has long opposed the DREAM Act. Advocates have targeted Democratic Senator Kay Hagan, but she is expected to vote no, as well. Hagan says the DREAM Act should be a part of more comprehensive immigration reform, including increased border patrols.