DREAM ACT Vigil at Mesa College Tonight!\]

“WE SHALL OVERCOME: PASS THE DREAM ACT THIS WEEK” VIGIL AND PRESS CONFERENCE TO TAKE PLACE AT MESA COLLEGE, ON THE EVE OF THE “DREAM ACT” VOTE IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, ON TUESDAY DECEMBER 7, 2010, FROM 5:00—7:30 P.M. at MESA COLLEGE

The Congressional Budget Office released a study, determining that the DREAM Act will increase government revenues by $2.3 billion over 10 years, and result in a net reduction in the U.S. deficit of $1.4 BILLION over the same period. The House of Representatives will vote on the DREAM Act this Wednesday, and from there it will be voted on in the Senate this month. The DREAM Act has strong support from many businesses, such as Microsoft, publications including “The Wall Street Journal,” economists, businessmen and women, and 70 percent of the public, according to a recent poll by First Focus.

DREAM Act students, supporters, teachers, artists, musicians, and leaders in the faith community and political arena, are expected to come together on Tuesday evening at Mesa College to speak out in strong support of this 21st century civil rights bill. This will be part of a National Day of Action on the DREAM Act to step up the pressure and educate the general public about why the DREAM Act makes sense to families and the economy.

DREAM Act (Development, Relief and Education for Alien Minors) bill is a bipartisan measure that has been around for a decade, addresses a key aspect of our broken immigration system, and creates a way for bright, deserving youth who grew up in the United States, to legalize their status so they can achieve their dreams and effectively contribute to the United States.

The DREAM Act is a bill that would allow undocumented students who were brought to the United States as babies or children to get on a path to obtain permanent residency and eventually citizenship. The completion of 2 years of college or military service is a requirement, among others, of the DREAM Act. The bill will be voted on Wednesday, December 8, 2010 in the House of Representatives, and then in the Senate, during this lame duck session with the hope that Democrats and Republicans will unite to make the bill a reality.

Undocumented students dream of one day being able to fully contribute and participate in the United States. For many of these high school, undergraduate, and graduate students, the United States is the only home they have ever known. They are engineers, educators, health practitioners, scientists, and more. Although they were brought to this country without a choice, they have chosen to share their talent, education, and determination with the United States. This country cannot afford to reject gifted young people who are positively contributing and building on its education, economics, and passion.

Vigil will take place at Mesa College outside foyer in front of the G Building (Humanities and Multicultural Building). Enter through Mesa College Drive; left at Mesa College Circle; park in the A Lots by the flagpole. If a truck needs to be closer, please discuss with me directly (I’ll be on site at 4 pm).I can reserve parking in the A Lots, in front of the Administration Building for media/attendees. No ticketing will occur. (web resource: www.sdmesa.edu/map)

This action is being hosted by Justice Overcoming Boundaries (JOB), a countywide-interfaith community organization, and the San Diego DREAM Team, a coalition of DREAM Act students from College and University Campuses throughout San Diego County. For further information on the vigil and press conference taking place at Mesa College, contact JOB Community Organizer Kendell Tylee at (619) 677-7330 or Kendell@Justicesandiego.org or Gloria Cruz at (310) 717-3205.

SPEAKERS: Dr. Constance Carroll-Chancellor of San Diego Community College District(SDCCD), Peter Zschiesche, SDCCD Trustee, DREAM Students, Rev. Madison Shockley-Pastor of Pilgrim United Church of Christ, music by Jaime Romo.

For a Full list of Vigils across the Country visit:
www.facebook.com/reformimmigrationforamerica?v=app_2344061033#!/reformimmigrationforamerica?v=app_2344061033
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