Colorado immigrant groups are praising the reintroduction of the so-called DREAM Act in the US Senate, even though its fate is uncertain in a divided Congress.
Colorado Senators Mark Udall and Michael Bennet are among the 33 co-sponsors of the bill, which would give young illegal immigrants who go to college or serve in the military a chance at obtaining legal status.
"It is absolutely important that the young people in our state who currently lack legal status be able to pursue their dreams are able to do so," said Julie Gonzales, organizing director for the Colorado Immigrant Rights Coalition.
A similar bill died in the lame-duck session of Congress late last year. Opponents of the DREAM Act legislation liken it to amnesty, and they worry it will lead to an increase the number of people who come to the US and Colorado illegally.
Even some supporters of so-called comprehensive immigration reform have called the DREAM Act a piecemeal approach.