Senate Blocks Education/Military Path To Citizenship For Immigrants Who Entered U.S. As Children

Washington, D.C. (AHN) - The Senate today gave the ax to a bill that could have paved a road to citizenship for undocumented immigrants brought to the United States as children.

The Development, Relief and Education for Alien Minors Act, sponsored by Sen. Dick Durbin (D-IL), would have allowed eligible people under the age of 30 to join the military or enroll in college, despite their legal status. Participation in the program would have been limited to immigrants brought to the U.S. before the age of 16 and at least 5 years before applying to the program. After two years of successful participation, they would have been be issued green cards, with the opportunity to apply for citizenship after five years.

Today's 52-44 vote was a procedural move intended to open formal debate on the measure.

Opponents, including the president, denounced the timing of the measure, as key funding bills await approval.

Others denounced any form of amnesty for undocumented immigrants. "I do not believe we should reward illegal behavior," said Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY). "It is our duty to promote respect for America's immigration laws."

However, many Democrats and immigrant rights advocates disagree. "What good does it do anybody to prevent these young people from having a future?" said Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV). "It harms children who have done no wrong, and in the long run greatly harms our country."

The effort was the first of many aiming to push through focused, piecemeal immigration measures, as opposed to the comprehensive, all-in-one approach that so far has been unable to garner enough bipartisan support to succeed.