I strongly encourage Sens. Olympia Snowe and Susan Collins to support the DREAM Act, which would allow undocumented youths a path to citizenship by completing two years of college or two years in the military.

Passage of the act, supported by at least two-thirds of the public, could contribute to the U.S. economy up to $3.6 trillion during the lives of the youths, and reduce the budget deficit by $1.4 billion during the next 10 years.

It is the right thing to do for both these patriotic youths and our troubled economy in this holiday season, and is a gift that keeps on giving.

Jim Lysen, Lewiston