Sen. Bill Nelson shows cautious openness to Rubio DREAM Act alternative

{mosads}Rubio’s proposal to the Development, Relief and Education for Alien Minors (DREAM) Act allows students who came to the United States illegally as children stay in the country and get a driver’s license. They can also apply for residency in the United States but, unlike the actual DREAM Act, strongly backed by Democrats, Rubio’s proposal does not provide a path to citizenship. 

{mosads}House Speaker John Boehner (R-Ohio) recently said although there was “always hope,” Rubio’s proposal is unlikely to pass the Republican-controlled House of Representatives.

“I found it of interest,” Boehner said in late April, “but the problem with this issue is that we’re operating in a very hostile political environment. And to deal with a very difficult issue like this … I think it would be difficult, at best.”

Rubio’s proposal is likely to receive widespread attention through the rest of the 2012 presidential election cycle, as he is seen as a top prospect for the vice presidential spot on the Republican ticket and Republicans are seeking to rally Hispanic voters behind their candidate.