Vote on DREAM Act delayed until next week

WASHINGTON, Dec. 3 (UPI) -- A vote on a bill to give some young illegal immigrants a chance at legal residency in the United States won't come before next week, a congressman said.

Democrats "ran out of time" this week so the DREAM Act won't make it to the House Rules Committee until next week, Rep. Luis Gutierrez, D-Ill., told The Hill.

The DREAM Act would offer a chance at legal residency to illegal immigrants who arrived in the United States before age 16 if they obtained a high school diploma. The bill would also grant residency to those who attend college for two years or enter the military.

Gutierrez said Thursday he is confident the bill has enough support to pass through the House.

"I'm encouraged, because the obstacles appear procedural in nature -- it's not the votes, Gutierrez said."