WASHINGTON, DC -- The Senate failed to muster the 60 votes needed to move forward the Defense authorization bill, including the DREAM Act amendment.

Both Arkansas senators, Blanche Lincoln (D-AR) and Mark Pryor (D-AR) were the only two Democrats to vote against the measure.

“The immigration reform movement and immigrant youth were stymied by an obstinate minority more interested in scoring political points than in delivering for Arkansans and the American people. Senators caved, again, to partisan pressure to block progress on a bill that is not only vital to our national security, but that provided a vehicle for other important measures, specifically the DREAM Act. This Congress has seen one filibuster after another, but the American people have grown very tired of this story,” said Jose Gomez, Executive Director of the Reform Immigration FOR America Arkansas Campaign.

Senators Harry Reid (D-NV) and Richard Durbin (D-IL) deserve enormous credit for having the political courage to introduce the DREAM Act as part of the Department of Defense Authorization bill. Their courage on this bill is in stark contrast to our Arkansas Senators.

No one should have any doubt where we stand on the futures of promising immigrant youth and immigration reform. Their "need not apply" and "youre not welcome" message to Latinos and other immigrants was loud and clear.

“We will continue to move forward. The DREAM Act is an important stepping-stone to immigration reform, common sense policy and an overall good return on Americas investment. We should let these young people, who love America, and call it ‘home’, pursue their higher education dreams and serve in the United States Armed Forces. Supporters of reform will be looking for every opportunity to move legislation forward. We will not stop until we ...