Republican Presidential frontrunner Mitt Romney recently announced that he would veto Dream act Legislation if he is elected president. The Dream Act, as many know, would allow young immigrants who came to the United States as minors to gain a path to lawful residency if they complete certain requirements (i.e. graduate from college, join the military, etc.). The Dream Act has been introduced as legislation in Congress for many consecutive years – however, it has never come close to reaching the President’s desk for signature.
The announcement is a bit of surprise as Romney has appeared (at least to me) more pragmatic in addressing immigration issues than other presidential contenders. However, given his need to attract the more conservative fractions of the Republican party, his sudden announcement could easily be a campaign statement that he will soon forget if he is able to win the nomination and get into the general election. Once he gets to the general election, I think his stance on immigration will ease as he will then need to attract centralist independents away from President Obama.
Lets see how it turns out…who knows…there may be a reason why I am a New York based immigration lawyer and not a political commentator.