U.S. Sen. Maria Cantwell reintroduced The DREAM Act today—Democratic legislation that would create a path to citizenship for young people (brought into the country by illegal immigrants) who, having been long-term residents, can begin establishing citizenship by serving in the military or going to college.

The bill, which has been around since 2001 (when Cantwell also co-sponsored it) imploded last year when the Republicans filibustered.

In a press release statement today, Sen. Cantwell said:

DREAM offers individuals who were brought to this country as children a chance to earn legal status and give back to the American communities in which they were raised. These individuals will make our country more competitive economically by enriching our workforce, contributing to our tax base and spurring job creation.