Watch a new video highlighting the ongoing fight for the Dream Act HERE
For Immediate Release: July 24, 2026
Contact: [email protected]
Washington, DC – This week, TheDream.US hosted a symbolic graduation ceremony on Capitol Hill featuring Dreamer Scholars and Alumni, elected officials, advocates, families, and allies to celebrate the Dream Act and call for its urgent passage. Dreamers processed into the ceremony in caps and gowns, shared personal reflections, and spoke about the uncertainty they continue to face and how passage of the Dream Act would change their lives.
The event included the first public remarks of Annie Ramos, the military spouse and TheDream.US Scholar whose detention this spring caused national outcry and underscored the urgent need for a legislative solution. In her speech, Annie Ramos noted:
“I know many of you heard my story because people across this country spoke up. Their voices helped bring me home. For that, I will always be grateful. But here’s what weighs on my heart: Not everyone has their story make the news. Not everyone has thousands of people fighting for them. There are Dreamers living every single day with uncertainty, wondering if tomorrow will be the day their lives are turned upside down.
I am a woman of faith. I believe faith can move mountains. But I also believe that faith without action leaves mountains exactly where they are. That is why I am here today. Not because I want sympathy. Not because I want my story to define me. I am here because I want my story to change something.
To every member of Congress listening today: Dreamers have waited long enough … We don’t need another generation growing up with the same uncertainty. Finish what has remained unfinished for far too long. Pass a permanent solution for Dreamers. Let this be the last mock graduation. Let the next generation celebrate not with symbolism—but with certainty.”
The event also honored Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL) for his lifelong leadership and commitment to the Dreamer community and featured powerful remarks from Senator Durbin, reflecting on the 25 years of fighting for the Dream Act. Watch a powerful video commemorating the 25-year fight for the Dream Act and the commitment of Senator Durbin and the Dreamer movement HERE.
Gaby Pacheco, President and CEO of TheDream.US concluded the program, noting:
“Dreamers already are part of this country. For twenty-five years, we have graduated. We have worked. We have paid taxes. We have started businesses. We have cared for our communities. We have loved this country—even when this country did not always love us back. We have spent 25 years proving we belong. Today, we ask America to finally do what we have already done—to choose us as we have always chosen this country. So let us finish what began twenty-five years ago. Let us choose hope. Let us choose each other. Let us pass the Dream Act.”