For Planning Purposes: May 12, 2026
Contact: [email protected]
***MEDIA ADVISORY***
Press Conference: Tuesday, May 12 at 2 PM ET at Senate Swamp on U.S. Capitol Grounds
Ahead of Senate Spotlight Forum, TheDream.US Press Conference to Feature Sen. Mark Kelly and Affected National and DC Area Voices
Washington, DC — On Tuesday May 12 at 2 PM Eastern, TheDream.US will host a press conference at the Senate “swamp” on the U.S. Capitol grounds to highlight examples and implications of the growing threats to Dreamers, including DACA processing delays and detention and deportation concerns. The 2 PM press conference, which will feature remarks from Senator Mark Kelly (D-AZ), Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL), and Senator Alex Padilla (D-CA) will be held directly before a U.S. Senate spotlight forum at 3:30 PM inside the Hart Senate Office building, hosted by Senator Durbin and focused on protecting Dreamers.
TheDream.US press conference will feature national and local voices highlighting examples and implications of Dreamers being unable to work and live safely in the United States, and why it highlights the urgent need for a permanent, legislative fix such as the Dream Act.
What: Press Conference: Sens. Kelly, Durbin, Padilla Join National and Local Voices on Why Threats to DACA and Dreamers Make Case for Legislative Fix
When: Tuesday, May 12, 2026, at 2 PM Eastern
Where: Senate Swamp on U.S. Capitol grounds, near East Senate steps
Who (additional speakers may be added):
- Sen. Mark Kelly (D-AZ)
- Sen. Dick Durbin (D-IL)
- Sen. Alex Padilla (D-CA)
- Lane Glenn, President of Northern Essex Community College (MA), Member of the Presidents’ Alliance on Higher Education and Immigration Steering Committee
- Don Graham, Chairman Emeritus of Graham Holdings Company and co-founder of TheDream.US
- Kai Martin, a TheDream.US alum waiting on her DACA renewal for a work permit in order to start a PhD program at Howard University
- Dixy Ortiz, an elementary school teacher in the DMV area and TheDream.US alum, to share perspective on the anxieties of Dreamers with DACA at the moment
- Gaby Pacheco, President & CEO of TheDream.US (moderator)
- Jen Rickling, mother-in-law to Annie Ramos, wife of Army staff sergeant who was detained and released after outcry in April
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