This Thursday at noon, DREAM-eligible youth will join national leaders to call on Congress to pass the DREAM Act before the end of 2010.Archbishop Jose Gomez , Co-Adjutor Archbishop of Los Angeles, Chairman, U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ Committee on Migration, Janet Murguia of National Council of La Raza, Wade Henderson of The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights, andThomas Saenz of the Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund will highlight the compelling reasons why the DREAM Act should become law this year. In addition,Raul Hinojosa of UCLA’s North American Integration and Development Center will present the findings of his new report, “No DREAMers Left Behind: The Economic Impacts of Dream Act Beneficiaries,” and DREAM eligible youth will tell their personal stories about how the DREAM Act will help them contribute to the American economy and realize their dreams.
By passing the DREAM Act, Congress has a chance to rise above the heated rhetoric of the campaign season and show the American people that it can work on a bipartisan basis to pass real immigration reform. The DREAM Act has been around for nearly a decade, and has the support of both Democrats and Republicans. It is a common sense bill that enables high-achieving young people who came to this country as children a chance to legalize their status, if they enroll in an institution of higher learning or the U.S. military. It is a win-win, both for the youth who would qualify and the country that would benefit from allowing these young leaders to realize their full potential.
*Due to speakers’ schedules, the event will begin promptly at 12:00pm. Press is urged to arrive early, and refreshments will be provided.
This event is sponsored by America’s Voice, First Focus Campaign for Children, National Council of La Raza and other members of the United We DREAM Coalition.