The Senate’s vote against a motion to proceed to debate on the Department of Defense Authorization bill – to which the DREAM Act and a repeal of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” were attached – is a discouraging reminder that the Republican Party remains dangerously hostile to immigrants and, at every occasion, blocks steps toward fixing the broken immigration system.

Many talented young men and women who consider themselves American in every way are eager to serve the nation they love in the armed forces, and the DREAM Act would provide them with this opportunity. It would also provide the United States a new pool of high school graduates eager to serve – a critical help to the military in meeting its increasingly difficult recruiting goals. Following is a selection of quotes from military and national security leaders on the benefits of the DREAM Act.

Is the DREAM Act germane to the Department of Defense Authorization bill before the Senate this week? Without a doubt. The FY2010-12 Strategic Plan for the Department of Defense’s Office of the Undersecretary for Personnel and Readiness recommends passage of the DREAM Act, in order to help the military “shape and maintain a mission-ready All Volunteer Force.”

Last evening, President Obama capped a momentous day for immigration reform by pledging to fight for the DREAM Act and reiterating his commitment to pursue comprehensive immigration reform. At the same time, rather than rally around what has been a bi-partisan bill, the DREAM Act, many Republicans were circling their partisan wagons and pledging to oppose its inclusion in the Department of Defense Authorization bill.

The DREAM Act is bipartisan legislation that enables high-achieving young people – immigrants who have been raised here, have worked hard in school, and then pursue higher education or serve in the military – to achieve the American Dream. Here are a list of reasons to support the DREAM Act.

Immigrant families have a long and proud tradition of serving in the U.S. military and giving back to their adopted country. Currently, almost eight percent of the U.S. armed forces are foreign-born. Many military leaders support the DREAM Act as a way of helping the nation’s armed forces remain strong and vibrant.

The news that Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV) will bring action on the bi-partisan DREAM Act is a welcome and significant step forward for the immigration reform debate. According to the Associated Press, Senator Reid pledged to attach the DREAM Act as an amendment to an upcoming defense policy bill.

Each year, approximately 65,000 young people graduate from high school in the U.S. find themselves unable to work, join the military or go to college because of their immigration status. Approximately 800,000 young people would be eligible for the DREAM Act -- bipartisan legislation that would give eligible young people who were brought to the U.S. as children the opportunity to legalize their immigration status and work towards citizenship -- upon passage.

Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV) is embracing the need to move on the DREAM Act this year, providing a shot of momentum to a measure that enjoys bipartisan support. If enacted, the DREAM Act would serve as an important step towards comprehensive immigration reform.

A national poll of 1,008 adults, conducted by Opinion Research Corporation for First Focus in June 2010, shows strong support for passing the DREAM Act, and for keeping decisions about in-state tuition rules regarding undocumented immigrants in the hands of the states. Support for the DREAM Act cuts across region and across party lines with 70 percent overall support, 60% support from Republicans and 80% support from Democrats.

After the news of his plight generated outcry and editorials on his behalf, the announcement that Eric Balderas will not face deportation is both a welcome development and a clarion call to pass the DREAM Act. According to Frank Sharry, Executive Director of America’s Voice, “While Eric’s story is resolved favorably, it speaks to the dysfunction of our current immigration policy that it took public outcry to ensure that he was not deported. We must continue working to fashion an immigration system that actually recognizes that it’s in our national interests to keep Eric Balderas at home in the U.S..."