Senate Majority president Harry Reid has pledged to introduce the DREAM Act as an amendment to a major defense bill this week. Peter Schrag, author of Not Fit for Our Society: Immigration and Nativism in America, rates the odds of this tactic succeeding at slim to none in a Los Angeles Times op-ed published earlier today. Kaplan, though, is more optimistic.
"There's no doubt the issue is politicized," Kaplan acknowledges. "But I do think that of all the things they're going to propose, it's the most common-sense one, and the most likely to pass."
Hence, the 4 p.m. rally at North High School, which will feature politicians such as Representative Joe Miklosi and Denver City Council member Paul Lopez, as well as teachers, students and folks from assorted pro-immigrant organizations "talking about the DREAM Act and what it's going to mean for Colorado," Kaplan says.Right now, immigration is a hot topic in the governor's race, with the American Constitution Party's Tom Tancredo and Republican nominee Dan Maes talking up get-tough policies along the lines of a controversial measure passed in Arizona earlier this year. But Kaplan doubts that a clone of that legislation is in Colorado's future.
"I don't think Colorado is going to go in that direction, because the state already has some of the most restrictive immigration laws on the books," he allows. "I do think political candidates are trying to make a lot of hay with the immigration issue, but it hasn't played for them before. In 2006 and 2008, we had patterns of politicians trying to exploit immigration as a possible wedge issue, and it didn't work -- and I don't think it's going to work now.
"Most voters don't consider it to be one of their top issues, and most of them are overall very supportive of some form of immigration reform. The last national poll I saw showed 60 to 70 percent support for immigration reform that treats people humanely."
Kaplan doesn't want to give a firm prediction about turnout for today's rally, but he expects that several hundred people will turn up. "A lot of youth will be at the event giving testimonials about their experiences," he points out, "and it's definitely worth it to hear what these kids have to say. It really puts things in perspective for me, and for most people."
Page down to see the Colorado Immigrant Rights Coalition release on the event, with all the pertinent details:
Youth, Community Leaders, Educators, and Elected Officials Stand Together in Support of the DREAM Act.Denver, CO -- This week, Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid plans to introduce the DREAM act as an amendment to the Defense Authorization Bill. The DREAM Act would provide relief to millions of young people around the country who are stuck in limbo due to their inability to work, join the army, or otherwise pursue their dreams.
The Colorado Immigrant Rights Coalition, partner groups, and elected officials will hold a press conference and rally on Monday, September 20th at 4pm to show that Colorado is fully behind this effort and that we will work hard to provide relief and respect to thousands of Colorado kids needing a chance.
WHAT:
Youth, community leaders, educators, and elected officials will hold a press conference and rally in support of the DREAM Act.
WHEN:
Monday, September 20th, 4pm
WHERE:
North High School, 32nd Street, Denver
WHO:
Rep. Joe Miklosi, Colorado State Assembly
Rosemary Rodriguez, State Director, US Senator Bennet's Office
Susana Cordova, Chief Academic Officer of Denver Public Schools
Paul Lopez, Denver City Council
Teresa Pena, Denver Public School Board
Nate Easley, Denver Public School Board President
DREAMer Youth will give testimonials about their experiences
Community leaders, advocates, and parents
