CHAIR YVETTE LEWIS ADMONISHES MITT ROMNEY FOR FAR-RIGHT FLIP FLOP ON IMMIGRATION

ANNAPOLIS (January 4, 2012) – Maryland Democratic Party Chair Yvette Lewis issued the following statement after GOP frontrunner Mitt Romney promised to veto the DREAM Act if it reached his desk as president. The DREAM Act, which would let young immigrants who give back to the only country they’ve ever known by serving in the military or going to college to earn a path to citizenship, has enjoyed considerable bipartisan support.

“Mitt Romney has made another far-right flip flop in his bid to win Tea Party support and become the Republican presidential nominee. Despite once supporting comprehensive immigration reform that created a path to legal status, Mitt Romney has since adopted the most extreme position on immigration of any Republican nominee in recent history. By rejecting the DREAM Act, Mitt Romney has repudiated a common sense solution supported by both parties that embodies the principles that have made America strong. Romney’s pandering to the fringe tea party wing of the Republican Party disqualifies him in the eyes of moderate and independent voters.”

“President Obama has different values. President Obama has fought for the DREAM Act because it reflects the spirit of inclusion and diversity that has made our country competitive and dynamic. The DREAM Act fulfills America’s promise to offer equality and opportunity to all. In Maryland, Governor O’Malley and Democrats have made a similar commitment to fairness and have given talented Maryland youth the chance to realize their full potential.”