HOUSTON—
What some are calling a step toward immigration reform passed in the House of Representatives Wednesday and is now on to the Senate.The Development, Relief and Education for Alien Minors Act -- or DREAM Act -- would allow college students who are not citizens and other qualifying illegal immigrants a path to citizenship.
It was a heated debate in Congress.
"[We] would call this the Nightmare Act rather than the DREAM Act," said State Rep. Phil Gingrey (R- Georgia).
Before the vote, critics called it amnesty for hundreds of thousands of undocumented students.
"We must oppose policies like the DREAM Act that will serve serve as a magnet to those that will flock here illegaly," said Rep. Dana Rohrabacher (R- California).
The act, which was first introduced a decade ago, is a measure that would grant legal residency to undocumented college students and members of the armed forces.
Today in Houston, eyes were on Congress. Several organizations and supporters waited anxiously for the vote, making last minute calls to senators. Hadi Maniar said it's not amnesty but an opportunity for students to give back to America.
"They have dreamed of it. To them, they are Americans in every cultural sense. The only thing they lack is the status," Maniar said.
Johanna Aguirre said her friends have been waiting patiently for the DREAM Act to pass.
"It hurts me that they want to continue with their education and have a good job, and they can't because of their legal status," Aguirre said.
With the bill now waiting for a vote from the Senate, many feel it was a long path toward an opportunity that should have happened long ago.
