Pedro Ramirez, president of the Associated Students, Inc., at Fresno State provided this statement in reaction to the House of Representatives approval of the DREAM Act, which now goes to the U.S. Senate today:

“Today, the House of Representatives passed the historic Dream Act with a 216-198 vote. This great feat could not have been possible if it were not for the tireless efforts made by students, professors, administrators, businessmen and the community, who truly made the difference. Although we celebrate tonight’s victory, tomorrow the Senate must also approve the bill if we are to achieve our goal. With the passage of the Dream Act in the Senate, the Dreamers (undocumented students) will be able to contribute far more and to prove their merit in this great nation. We thank our nation’s leaders for their vision and courage.”

Fresno State’s student body president, who acknowledged recently that he is an undocumented resident and enrolled at Fresno State through state Assembly Bill 540, witnessed the House debate and vote on Capitol Hill along with fellow representatives of the California State Students Association and his immigration attorney, Jessica Smith-Bobadilla.

The House vote followed debate on the floor that included a reference to Ramirez by Speaker Nancy Pelosi. Yesterday, Sen. Barbara Boxer also referred to Ramirez on the Senate floor. Fresno State has 261 students enrolled through AB 540.

Ramirez will attend tomorrow’s U.S. Senate session as well.

Earlier, Dr. John D. Welty, president of California State University, Fresno, issued this statement:

“I am pleased and gratified that the House of Representatives has taken the monumental step today of passing the DREAM Act. It is my sincere hope that the Senate will do the same.”