This letter gives a nice summary of proposed legislation in support of the civil and human rights of undocumented youth.
-Patricia
September 22, 2009 The Honorable Joe Baca
U.S. House of Representatives
2245 Rayburn House Office Building
Washington, D.C. 20515-0542
Dear Congressman Baca:
On behalf of the William C. Velasquez Institute (WCVI),a national nonpartisan, nonprofit policy and research organization focused on issues relevant to America's racial and ethnic minority groups, I am pleased to support H.R.2681, the People Resolved to Obtain an Understanding of Democracy (PROUD) Act. The PROUD Act provides a path to legalization for young students who were brought to this country at an early age. PROUD Act applicants must have graduated high school and demonstrated at least six years of good moral character. By offering students a path to citizenship upon completion of high school, the PROUD Act allows students to attain legal status prior to applying to college. This allows low-income students to receive financial assistance on the path to attaining higher education. The PROUD Act is unique in that the young people who would benefit from its passage had no say in the decision to come to this country, and current law provides no mechanism for them to adjust to legal status. Nonetheless, these individuals have grown up in this country as Americans. They include high school valedictorians, honors students, class presidents, and student athletes. They also include future teachers, nurses, engineers, and community leaders. The status quo currently has no answer for these displaced students who wish to have a better education. Without legal status, their doors are immediately closed, despite having lived the majority of their life in the United States, learned English, volunteered in their communities, and successfully graduated from high school. This is an issue of moral and economic significance. PROUD Act eligible students will contribute to our national economy and help our country to remain competitive in the global market. If we do not do something for these bright students now, however, we risk dooming a future generation of young highly motivated individuals. We urge Congress to support the passage of the PROUD Act. Sincerely,
Antonio Gonzalez
President
William C. Velasquez Institute
William C. Velasquez Institute
National Office
206 Lombard, 1st Floor
San Antonio, TX 78226
(210) 922-3118 California Office
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Los Angeles, CA 90031
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