National Immigration Law Center Responds to the Reintroduction of the Dream Act in the U.S. Senate

WASHINGTON — U.S. Senators Dick Durbin (D-IL) and Lindsey Graham (R-SC) today reintroduced the bipartisan Dream Act, legislation that would provide a pathway to U.S. citizenship for undocumented immigrant youth. The National Immigration Law Center was involved in drafting the original Dream Act and has advocated for its enactment ever since the bill was first introduced in 2001.

Marielena Hincapié, executive director of the National Immigration Law Center, issued the following statement:

“At the National Immigration Law Center, we’ve been working alongside immigrant youth for over two decades to ensure they can remain and thrive here, in the country that is their home. The Dream Act would provide much-needed stability and open up opportunities for many young immigrants in our communities.

“We welcome the reintroduction of the Dream Act, especially at a time when even those with temporary protections under DACA continue to face the threat of politically motivated anti-immigrant attacks in court. We applaud Sen. Durbin, who has been a staunch champion for immigrant youth, and are heartened that lawmakers from both sides of the aisle continue to recognize the urgent need and overwhelming public support for a permanent solution. However, we also know the Dream Act is only the beginning.

“The COVID-19 pandemic has underscored how interdependent we all are, and immigrants have been at the forefront of the pandemic response, caring for the sick, harvesting our nation’s food, and keeping businesses running. We urge Congress to create a pathway to U.S. citizenship not just for immigrant youth, but for all 11 million undocumented immigrants who call our country home, including a fast track for essential workers who have helped us survive during a global pandemic.”

###