Rep. Tom. Rooney Assails DREAM Act as Incentive for Illegality

As Harry Reid and the Democrats dream of passing a soft amnesty program during the lame duck session, U.S. Rep. Tom Rooney says to count him out -- with one exception.

The Tequesta Republican issued the following statement on the DREAM Act, which would allow illegal immigrants brought to the U.S. as children to gain legal resident status if they enroll in college or join the military:

Immigration is fundamentally a national security issue, which is why any immigration reform must secure our borders, uphold the law, and reward those who follow the rules.

Passing the DREAM Act would provide another incentive for individuals to come here illegally.Granting benefits to students who are here illegally would worsen our immigration problem and undermine the rule of law.

I strongly oppose provisions that would make students who are here illegally eligible for in-state tuition breaks.Taxpayer money should absolutely not subsidize the higher education of illegal immigrants.

While I do not support the DREAM Act, I would be willing to consider a stand-alone bill that would grant legal residence status to anyone who puts on the uniform and serves in the U.S. military.