On Dec. 18, the Dream Act was filibustered and failed to pass in the U.S. Senate. The
proposed law would have allowed many children of undocumented workers
to become citizens, which would be especially beneficial to students
struggling to attain higher education because of their immigration
status.
Although Obama supported the act and called its failure
“incredibly disappointing,” neither the Democrats nor the Republicans
genuinely defend the interests of immigrants. (Los Angeles Times, Dec.
19)
Under the Obama administration, deportations have
accelerated to a record pace. The Immigration and Customs Enforcement
agency expects to deport up to 400,000 people in 2010, many more than
during George W. Bush’s presidency. (Washington Post, July 26)
While
the Dream Act would have addressed a grave injustice, it did not go far
enough. Immigrants, most of whom flee oppressive conditions created by
U.S. imperialism, are not criminals. It is in the interests of all
workers, documented and undocumented, to reject divide-and-conquer
tactics by demanding unconditional amnesty and full rights for all
immigrants.
