[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 162 (Thursday, December 9, 2010)] [House] [Pages H8276-H8277] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] THE DREAM ACT AND IMMIGRATION REFORM (Mr. SCHRADER asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 minute.) Mr. SCHRADER. Mr. Speaker, I rise to reaffirm support for the general goals and ideals of the DREAM Act. Unfortunately and ultimately, America will have trouble getting there. But the ambition and hard work of immigrant students earning their degrees and citizenship will benefit our country. However, I voted against the passage of the DREAM Act last night. I believe passing this bill outside of comprehensive immigration reform is ill-advised. Our immigration system is terribly broken. As a small business owner and farmer, I know the current system does not work for small businesses asked to play the role of Immigration and Customs Enforcement. It also doesn't work [[Page H8277]] for farmers harvesting their crops, for children raised as Americans, or the many people playing by the rules and seeking United States citizenship because they believe in the promise of America. Border control, employer verification, exit controls, keeping family units intact, protecting our economy, and many others are tough issues that need to be resolved effectively and fairly. They deserve our time and attention now. I am not interested in just kicking the can down the road by not taking the tough votes on immigration reform. The whole system needs to be fixed, not just part of it. ____________________