This just in from CBS News:

Civil rights: After the failure of sweeping immigration overhaul, Democrats scaled back their effort to focus on the DREAM Act. The legislation would have halted deportation efforts of children who are here illegally, giving them citizenship opportunities if they entered the country before age 16 and have lived here for five years.

That bill was blocked after receiving 52 votes, but four supporters were not present. For the 111th Congress, seven Democrats will replace Republicans who voted against the bill. Barring a push for broader immigration restructuring by Obama, Senate aides said this smaller measure should have enough support to pass.

In April, 50 Democrats and six Republicans supported legislation that would have amended the 1964 Civil Rights Act by allowing more time for workers to file discrimination complaints. Five new Democrats will be replacing Republicans who opposed the legislation named after Lilly Ledbetter, the female employee who lost her suit against Goodyear Tire and Rubber over discrimination claims. The Supreme Court ruled that Ledbetter should have filed her claim within six months of the alleged incidents.

We love the fact that the ‘DREAM Act’ is put under ‘civil rights’ for it is ultimately about the right to education, the right not to be punished and penalized for crimes one has not committed.

But this does not mean we should get lethargic and not voice our concerns to the new Congress and President. We have struggled so long and hard for our American dream, lets fighter harder as we get closer to our goal.

We’ll be back to announce several more targeted days of action, unleash a wealth of new information, and to get your input. In the meantime, keep voting for the DREAM Act on Change.org and see other ways you can take action here.