For Immediate Release: December 22, 2017
Contact: Michael Earls at 202-494-8555 and [email protected]
“What is Good for DREAMers is Good for America” – TheDream.US Calls on Congress to Pass Legislation for Dreamers
Washington, DC – TheDream.US, the nation’s largest college access and success program for undocumented immigrant youth, today implored Congress to pass legislation for Dreamers.
The organization, which has provided more than 3,000 scholarships to students with DACA and TPS at more than 70 partner colleges in 15 states, believes that all young people, regardless of where they were born, should have the opportunity to fulfill their potential, gain an education, and fully participate in the country that they call home. To date, the organization has committed more than $103 million in scholarship money for DREAMers.
DREAMers have grown up in America and have the talents, skills, and energy to move our communities and country forward. We all benefit from the presence, smarts and commitment of DREAMers studying on our campuses, thriving in our workplaces, and contributing to our communities.
It would be self-defeating for the country if Congress does not resolve the uncertainty facing Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) recipients. Every single one of them arrived in the United States as a minor, has lived here since at least 2007, and passed a background check in order to qualify for the DACA program. The average DACA recipient has lived in America for at least 20 years, since age 6, and three-in-four have a U.S. citizen spouse, child or sibling. In short, these are young people who have grown up as Americans and have big dreams about how they can contribute to America’s future.
Now, DREAMers – and we all – need Congress to act to pass a law that allows these young people a way to resolve their immigration status affirmatively. DACA recipients are already losing their status, their ability to work and study on campuses, and their accompanying protections from detention and deportation.
What is good for DREAMers is good for America. It’s time for Congress to step up and act to keep these remarkable young people here and contributing to the country they call home. What Congress failed to do in 2017 should be its top priority when it returns in 2018.
Find out more about TheDream.US here
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