by AP staff

U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin says his push for the failed DREAM Act will continue as long as he "draws breath."

The Democrat from Illinois has sponsored the legislation since 2001. It's designed to help provide legal status for undocumented immigrants who are brought to the U.S. as young children and educated here. The act would help those students qualify for financial aid, among other benefits.

Durbin's comments Friday come as Sen. Charles Schumer of New York is drafting comprehensive immigration reform.

Durbin says Schumer, a Democrat, has promised the DREAM Act will be part of that. But Durbin adds immigration reform won't come until next year because legislators are now focused on health care.

Durbin spoke at an immigration forum at DePaul University in Chicago.