For Immediate Release: June 9, 2026
Contact: [email protected]
College Presidents, Higher Education Leaders Convene on Capitol Hill to Urge Action for Dreamers Ahead of DACA Anniversary
TheDream.US hosts a discussion with higher ed leaders and Senator Dick Durbin on impacts of DACA delays, immigration uncertainty, and workforce challenges
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, TheDream.US and the Presidents’ Alliance on Higher Education and Immigration convened college presidents, university leaders, Dreamer students and alumni, and Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL) on Capitol Hill for a discussion on the growing challenges facing Dreamers and the consequences for higher education institutions, local economies, and America’s workforce.
Held just days before the June 15 anniversary of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program, the discussion brought together leaders from colleges and universities across the country to examine the effects of prolonged DACA renewal delays, heightened immigration enforcement, and the continued absence of a permanent legislative solution for Dreamers. Higher education leaders shared concerns about the uncertainty facing Dreamer students and graduates and discussed the importance of maintaining educational and professional opportunities for talented young people who have grown up in the United States.
“Over the past almost 14 years, DACA has protected more than 800,000 young people and allowed them to live and work in the United States without the fear of deportation. In 2022 alone, DACA recipients contributed nearly $2.1 billion to Social Security and Medicare, working as doctors, teachers, police officers, and more. But the Trump Administration has launched an all-out assault on DACA. Congress must give Dreamers the security they need and deserve by passing the Dream Act,” said Senator Durbin. “I have spent more than 20 years fighting for Dreamers, and I will spend the rest of my time in the Senate continuing that fight.”
“Dreamers have contributed to our nation over decades – working here, living here, paying taxes, serving in our military, and helping our communities,” said Senator Coons. “They shouldn’t have to live in the shadows in the only home they’ve ever known. This shouldn’t be a Republican or Democratic issue – this is about strengthening our nation’s future, and our future is stronger with Dreamers in it.”
“Dreamers have already demonstrated their commitment to this country through their education, their work, and their service to their communities,” said Don Graham, Co-Founder of TheDream.US. “College leaders see firsthand the contributions Dreamers make on campus and beyond. The message from today’s discussion was clear: America benefits when talented students have the opportunity to learn, work, and contribute without fear and uncertainty.”
Participants also heard directly from Dreamer students and alumni, who shared how ongoing immigration uncertainty and delays in DACA renewal processing have affected their education, careers, and ability to plan for the future.
The discussion comes as Dreamers continue to face mounting uncertainty despite their proven contributions to communities and the economy. In recent weeks, TheDream.US launched its Dreams Delayed initiative to document the growing toll of DACA renewal delays on students, graduates, and working professionals. Through firsthand accounts collected at DreamsDelayed.com and shared through the organization’s new @DACADreamsDelayed storytelling project, Dreamers have described losing jobs, being placed on unpaid leave, postponing educational opportunities, and struggling to support their families while waiting for renewal decisions.
“Every day of uncertainty carries real consequences for students, families, employers, and communities,” said Gaby Pacheco, President and CEO of TheDream.US. “The students and graduates we support are future teachers, nurses, engineers, researchers, entrepreneurs, and public servants. Their success strengthens our communities and economy. We need policies that recognize their contributions and provide the stability they deserve.”
The conversation also highlighted the important role colleges and universities play in supporting Dreamer students and preparing the next generation of workers. Participants discussed the growing need for a bipartisan legislative solution that would allow Dreamers to continue pursuing their education, careers, and long-term futures in the country they call home. More than a decade after DACA was established, hundreds of thousands of Dreamers continue to live without permanent legal protections, leaving their futures vulnerable to court decisions, administrative delays, and shifting political circumstances. Higher education leaders emphasized that the uncertainty extends beyond individual students, affecting campuses, employers, and workforce pipelines across the country.
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 more than 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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