For Immediate Release: June 8, 2026
Contact: [email protected]
Read the new report from TheDream.US, “When Dreamers Rise, Our Cities Rise”
CHICAGO, IL – At a fireside conversation Thursday evening at Chicago’s National Public Housing Museum, TheDream.US brought together civic leaders, educators, and Dreamer Alumni to discuss how investing in Dreamers strengthens Chicago’s economy and communities, while highlighting findings from its new report, “When Dreamers Rise, Our Cities Rise.”
Moderated by former U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan, the conversation featured TheDream.US co-founder Don Graham, Chief Operating Officer Dr. Hyein Lee, and Dreamer alumna and Chicago attorney Patrycia Piaskowski. Together, they examined twelve years of impact data showing how Dreamers are contributing to Chicago’s workforce, economy, and civic life.
According to the report, Illinois alumni of TheDream.US collectively earn an estimated $12 million annually and contribute approximately $2.5 million in local and federal taxes each year. More than 370 Illinois alumni have graduated from college, and among those with work authorization, 92 percent are employed or self-employed. Since its founding, TheDream.US has supported more than 900 Scholars across Illinois and currently serves more than 260 students attending college in the state.
The Chicago event comes at a critical moment nationally, as DACA renewal processing delays, enforcement actions, and growing legal uncertainty continue to threaten the stability of hundreds of thousands of Dreamers who have spent their lives contributing to this country. TheDream.US has been at the forefront of calls for Congress to pass the bipartisan Dream Act as a permanent legislative solution.
“Chicago has long been shaped by people who come here seeking opportunity, safety, and a better future—whether from the American South or the Global South,” said Mayor Brandon Johnson. “Dreamers and their families are part of that story, and they are our students, educators, healthcare workers, entrepreneurs, public servants, and neighbors who strengthen the social, cultural, and economic fabric of our city every day. They are driving innovation in our classrooms and workplaces, filling critical workforce needs in our hospitals and industries, starting businesses that create jobs, and contributing to the vitality of communities across Chicago. Through initiatives like Protecting Chicago, we are standing up for our residents and reinforcing our commitment to safety, stability, and opportunity for all. This report reinforces what Chicago already knows: when we invest in people and ensure that all residents can contribute their talents, we all move forward together. Our communities grow stronger, our economy becomes more resilient, and our city is better positioned to thrive for generations to come.”
“Dreamers are already helping drive Chicago forward by supporting families, strengthening our workforce, and giving back through public service, healthcare, education, and advocacy. Their contributions reflect the resilience and determination that continue to shape Chicago’s future,” said Deputy Mayor Beatriz Ponce de León, “As federal protections continue to be weakened, Congress can no longer afford to delay. It is time to enact lasting immigration reform that provides Dreamers and millions of other long-term immigrants with a clear pathway to citizenship and the stability, dignity, and opportunity they deserve.”
Patrycia Piaskowski, Esq, TheDream.US Alumna and a formerly undocumented Chicago attorney, said: “My advice for Dreamers is: Don’t lose hope–keep working toward your dreams and aspirations, ask a lot of questions whenever you can, take every opportunity that presents itself to you, and keep advocating for yourself and one another.
According to Gaby Pacheco, President and CEO of TheDream.US: “For more than a decade, Chicago has shown what happens when talented young people are given the chance to succeed. The Dreamers featured in this report are already contributing to their communities as educators, healthcare workers, entrepreneurs, and community leaders. At a time when Dreamers face growing uncertainty, the findings in this report offer a clear reminder that investing in Dreamers strengthens our economy and our communities. Congress should build on that success by finally passing the bipartisan Dream Act and providing Dreamers with the permanent certainty they have earned.”
Dr. Hyein Lee, Chief Operating Officer of TheDream.US said, “The numbers tell a powerful story. Over twelve years, Illinois Scholars have graduated from college, entered the workforce, built careers, and contributed millions of dollars to the economy. These outcomes did not happen by accident. They are the result of intentional investments in talented young people who were given the opportunity to pursue higher education. Chicago demonstrates what becomes possible when barriers are removed and potential is allowed to translate into achievement.”
The full report, “When Dreamers Rise, Our Cities Rise,” is available at www.thedream.us.
About TheDream.US
TheDream.US is the nation’s leading organization supporting Dreamers at the intersection of higher education, workforce development, immigration, and advocacy. We’ve awarded over 13,000 scholarships to immigrant youth from 120+ countries and 45 states, with 5,000 graduates to date. We partner with close to 80 colleges in 19 states and Washington D.C. to provide scholarships, career support, and access to legal options that help Dreamers break through systemic barriers and achieve social mobility.
Through data, Scholar and Alumni stories, strategic partnerships, and targeted state and local advocacy, we work to expand equitable access to college, professional pathways, and permanent legal status. For more information on TheDream.US, visit www.thedream.us
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