DREAM Act: The Time is Now!

League of United Latin American Citizens


DREAM Act: The Time is Now!

■ What is the DREAM Act?

The Development, Relief, and Education for Alien Minors (DREAM) Act is bipartisan legislation that addresses the situation faced by young people who were brought to the United States years ago as undocumented immigrant children, and who have since grown up here, stayed in school, and kept out of trouble.

■ Why is the DREAM Act needed?

Each year about 65,000 U.S.raised students who would qualify for the DREAM Act’s benefits graduate from high school. These include honor roll students, star athletes, talented artists, homecoming queens, and aspiring teachers, doctors, and U.S. soldiers. They are young people who have lived in the U.S. for most of their lives and desire only to call this country their home. Even though they were brought to the U.S. years ago as children, they face unique barriers to higher education, are unable to work legally in the U.S., and often live in constant fear of detection by immigration authorities. Our immigration law currently has no mechanism to consider the special equities and circumstances of such students. The DREAM Act would eliminate this flaw. It is un-American to indefinitely and irremediably punish them for decisions made by adults many years ago. By enacting the DREAM Act, Congress would legally recognize what is de facto true: these young people belong here. DREAM Act students should be allowed to get on with their lives. If Congress fails to act this year, another entire class of outstanding, law-abiding high school students will graduate without being able to plan for the future, and some will be removed from their homes to countries they barely know. This tragedy will cause America to lose a vital asset: an educated class of promising immigrant students who have demonstrated a commitment to hard work and a strong desire to be contributing members of our society.

■ What is the DREAM Act’s Current Status?

Sen. Dick Durbin (IL) and Rep. Howard Berman (CA) plan to reintroduce the bill in THIS WEEK!

■ What can I do to support the DREAM Act right now?

Talk to Prinicipals and Administrators in your schools and organizations

Consider writing a letter of support for the Dream Act to your local newspaper or television station

Reach out to two or three people in your circle of influence and educate them about the importance of the Dream Act to students in our schools today

Sign the Dream Act petition at: http://www.dreamact2009.com/

Call your Senator or House member and explain the importance of this legislation (Capitol Switchboard: 202-224-3121)

Say tuned for additional information that LULAC National Office will provide as the Dream Act moves further in the U.S. Senate & U.S. House of Representatives!



For more information contact Iris Chavez at LULAC National Office, 202-833-6130 x13 or ichavez@lulac.org


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