ACTION NEEDED NOW!

Tell Congress to vote NO on the DREAM Act
Commander Foster Asks the Legion Family to Help Stop this Illegal Immigrants Amnesty Bill
(November 30, 2010) The American Legion, by resolution, is unalterably opposed to illegal immigration and opposes legislation that would result in the granting of amnesty and legal residency, in any form or by any name, to illegal immigrants currently in the United States. National Commander Jimmy Foster therefore urges The American Legion family to call both their U.S. Senators and Representatives and ask them to vote "NO" on the Development, Relief and Education for Alien Minors Act or DREAM Act coming up for a vote in the next two weeks in the House and Senate. The DREAM Act, if enacted, provides a pathway to citizenship for illegal aliens younger than age 36 who were brought to the United States as children; who have lived here five or more continuous years; and who meet the eligibility requirements by either attending an institution of higher learning or serving in the military for at least two years. This bill also allows the States to determine State residency for higher education purposes and provides for higher education assistance. The American Legion opposes this legislation for the following reasons: This bill provides amnesty for the children of illegal aliens who were brought to this country by their parents. This bill provides a pathway to citizenship for these illegal aliens in contrast to current immigration law. It would also allow these children to serve as 'anchors' for citizenship for other family members thus allowing these illegal aliens a citizenship pathway as well. This bill would allow the States to provide a benefit to persons who reside in the United States illegally. States should not have the right to allow illegal aliens the right to in-state tuition nor should the States be forced to provide illegal aliens in-state tuition. There is no public policy reason for the uniformed services to recruit or to allow entry into military service illegal aliens residing in this country. The military should not be used as a pathway to citizenship by those who entered this country illegally. If the proposed law passes, illegal alien students would have the right to financial aid such as student loans and work-study grants. The American Legion opposes any such financial aid to illegal aliens. If this bill passes it will create an 'incentive' for foreign nationals to cross our borders illegally and obtain citizenship through the use of their children. Equating two years of college with two years of military service minimizes the sacrifices of those who have served. Commander Foster requests The American Legion family contact their U.S. Senators and Representatives now and encourage them to vote against the DREAM Act. Please call the Capitol Switchboard at 800-828-0498 or 877-762-8762 and ask for your elected official's office. Ask for the staff person following this bill. Identify yourself and tell the aide you request the elected official vote 'No' on the DREAM Act bill and would like to leave a brief comment why you do not support the bill.