Congresswoman Kathy Castor hailed the U.S. House passage of the Dream Act, which she cosponsored. Castor fought for the thousands of Florida students, families and businesses who would benefit under the Dream Act and the vital path to citizenship for young people who were brought to America by their parents.

“The foundation of our great nation is built upon liberty, equality and opportunity,” Castor said. “These values apply to all except a small number of young people who have been stuck in limbo through no fault of their own. They face obstacles to education and productivity. The Dream Act breathes life into the hopes and aspirations of these young people if they attend college or join the armed forces. Our communities and economy will benefit as well.”

Castor spoke on behalf of several Florida students, including:

* A young woman from central Florida who came to the United States from Costa Rica with her family when she was very young. She graduated from an arts magnet school with a 4.2 GPA. She was accepted to every school she applied to but couldn’t attend any of them because the tuition was too high and she couldn’t qualify for financial aid.

* An Armwood High valedictorian who faced obstacles as he tried to get college financial aid and scholarships, despite perfect grades.

* A young woman she knows who was born in Mexico City and was brought to America as a baby. Despite stellar grades in high school, she was ineligible for in-state college tuition rates.

* A student who came to the United States from Mexico when she was 6 who has great grades and is an active student but doesn’t know how she will pay tuition at a college.

The Dream Act would allow students who entered the United States before their 16^th birthday, who have lived in the country for at least five years, who are in good moral standing and who have graduated from high school to be classified as permanent residents and pursue a path toward citizenship. As permanent residents, they would be able to apply for in-state tuition and federal student financial aid, enabling them to pursue the American Dream of higher education. Young adults could also earn conditional permanent residency status if they complete two years in the military.