Should Drunk Driving Disqualify Illegals for Amnesty? Napolitano Won't Say

Janet Napolitano, Sec. DHS, told Sen. Cornyn
at congressional hearing that she didn't think
it was the proper place to discuss “details”
of the legislation. (CNSNews.com / Penny Starr)

By Penny Starr, (CNSNews.com): Asked on Tuesday by Sen. John Cornyn (R-Texas) whether the Obama administration would consider amendments to the DREAM Act making illegal aliens ineligible for an amnesty if they were convicted of certain misdemeanors such as drunken driving, Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano would not say.

“Let me ask, do you support the bill are currently written?” Cornyn asked Napolitano.  “I do,” Napolitano said.

“And you speak on behalf of the administration, correct?” Cornyn asked. “I do,” Napolitano said.

The Development, Relief and Education for Alien Minors Act, or DREAM Act, would give legal status to illegal aliens who were brought to the United States by their parents at age 15 or younger if they have been in the U.S. for at least five years prior to the bill’s enactment, and if they meet certain education or military service requirements.

Cornyn asked Napolitano whether the Obama administration would support an amendment to the DREAM Act that would disqualify individuals from gaining legal status if they had been convicted of certain misdemeanors, including driving under the influence of alcohol, possession of drugs, burglary, theft or assault.

Napolitano said the administration would be willing to look at amendments offered.
Cornyn then asked the secretary how she would use her authority to waive provisions in the law--specifically if she would consider waiving requirements for someone who has been convicted of voter fraud.

“Well, again, I think this is not the hearing to go into some of the actual details of the bill in that sense,” Napolitano said. “Of course it is,” Cornyn said.

“And I would suggest, Sen. Cornyn, if you have amendments, we would be happy to consider them,” Napolitano said. “And this is the time to see that language.”

Sen. John Cornyn (R-Texas) criticized the Dream
 Act at a June 28, 2011- says it gives to much
authority to the DHS Secretary and could allow
illegal aliens who committed serious crimes to
gain legal status. (CNSNews.com/Penny Starr)

“Madam Secretary, you’re here under oath speaking on behalf of the administration on a piece of important legislation,” Cornyn said. “You say you support it as written and the administration supports it as written. And I think it’s appropriate to ask you questions about it.”

Napolitano, however, did not directly answer those questions. . . . [Full Story]

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