Press Office
Contact: Sharon Lee, (212) 669-3747 December 8, 2010
NEW YORK, NY – New York City Comptroller John C. Liu stated the following in response to questions about the passage of the DREAM Act in the House this evening:
"We're so close. Our Representatives have spoken, and the DREAM Act finally ascends to the Senate. The keys to citizenship are now in their hands. New York urges the Senate to act and deliver this through the finish line for our future."
Comptroller Liu immigrated to New York at the age of five. He is a proud product of New York City public schools beginning with kindergarten at P.S. 20 in Queens through to the Bronx High School of Science. He went on to Binghamton University, where he earned his degree in Mathematical Physics. Sworn in on January 1, 2010, he serves as the 43rd Comptroller of the City of New York.
Comptroller Liu's earlier statement about the DREAM Act:
"Creating paths to citizenship is good for New York. Paving the paths with education and service makes economic sense. The DREAM Act recognizes that all young people, with endless potential, need not fear reprisal or deportation -- merely because of a documentation status outside of their control -- while pursuing opportunities of higher education or serving our country. This would be a tremendous milestone toward humane, comprehensive immigration reform. The 111th Congress can and must open the gates for countless many so that they, too, may contribute and live their American Dream."
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Full text of Memorandum in Support of the DREAM Act issued to the New York Congressional Delegation earlier this year:
September 21, 2010
MEMORANDUM IN SUPPORT
S.729/H.R.1751 Development Relief and Education for Allen Minors Act (DREAM ACT)
The Comptroller of the City of New York strongly supports the DREAM Act.
The U.S. Senate is expected to consider this important matter today as an amendment to the defense authorization bill. Supporters include retired General Colin L. Powell and other military officials, who have stated that passage of this measure is just, humane and long overdue.
The DREAM Act is vital to our great country. It will provide the opportunity to millions of children of undocumented parents to obtain an education or serve in our military with honor and distinction and by doing so earn the path to citizenship. At the same time, it will help ensure that the City of New York along with the rest of our nation remains competitive in the global marketplace with skilled and talented individuals achieving higher education.
While the DREAM Act is no substitution for long overdue and desperately needed comprehensive immigration reform, supporting this measure will be a significant step toward supporting those who are distinguishing themselves in school and putting their lives on the line for our country through military service.
I unequivocally support this legislation and ask you to vote "Yes" when the Dream Act comes before you.
Respectfully submitted,
John C. Liu###