DREAM Act Passes House

By Chuck Sudo in News on Dec 9, 2010 4:23PM

A bit of a shocker in the House of Representatives last night, as they voted to pass the DREAM Act by a 216-198 count.

The passage of the DREAM Act, which would give undocumented residents a fast track to permanent residency if they complete two years of college at a four-year institution, or two years of military service, was applauded by President Obama in a statement:

"This vote is a vitally important step to doing what the American people expect their policymakers to do: work together to address the nation's most pressing problems. The DREAM Act corrects one of the most egregious flaws of a badly broken immigration system. A flaw that forces children who have grown up in America, who speak English, who have excelled in our communities as academics, athletes, or volunteers to put their lives and talent on hold at a great cost to themselves and our nation."

It's uncertain if the Senate has the necessary 60 votes to pass the bill and allow Obama to sign it into law.

Achy Obejas has the breakdown of how Illinois' Congressional delegation voted. Every single Republican congressman in the state voted nay, while Democrats Jerry Costello and Dan Lipinski broke ranks and cast dissenting votes. Obejas expressed hope, noting that Lipinski, who took over his district from his father Bill, is in a congressional district that is rapidly becoming more Latino and could possibly face a Hispanic challenger in the next election.