Urge Congress to Pass the Dream Act Now!

Congressional action is expected on the Development, Relief, and Education for Alien Minors (DREAM) Act during the "lame duck" session, which starts this week.  The legislation allows eligible students who entered this country before age 16 and who have been in the United States for at least five years to earn legal status if they pass background checks, attend college, or serve in the military for at least two years.

In past weeks, both Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV) and Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) have demonstrated their commitment to advancing the Act in early December.  The Senate is expected to schedule a vote on the bill this week and the House is expected to vote on the bill this week or make the provisions of the DREAM Act an amendment to another piece of legislation.

We must press Congress to act on the DREAM Act now.  

Latino elected officials and civic leaders have a critical opportunity to help secure the support of their Senators and Member of Congress for the DREAM Act, which would enable thousands of immigrant students to make significant advancements in their education or a military career.  Because of the changes in Congress resulting from the 2010 election, this may be the last opportunity we have for the next few years to make a difference in the lives of DREAM students.

As a Latino elected official or community leader, you can play a crucial role in advocating for the passage of the DREAM Act. You can educate your constituents and stakeholders about the importance of passing this legislation and encourage them to contact their Senators and Member of Congress to urge them to pass the DREAM Act. You and your constituents can call the U.S. Capitol Switchboard at 202-224-3121 to be connected to your Senators' and Member of Congress' Office.

TAKE ACTION NOW!

The NALEO Educational Fund has prepared talking points for your outreach efforts:
(Click here). We are also providing you with a description of some of the more common "myths" about the DREAM Act and factual responses to them. (Click here for English) (Click here for Spanish)
 
The opportunities provided by the DREAM Act
 
The DREAM Act will greatly benefit our nation and its local communities, by enabling thousands of immigrant youth to contribute their hard work and talents to our country's economic and civic life. These youth were brought to the United States as children and have since grown up in our communities, stayed in school, and consider themselves to be Americans, but yet lack immigration status through no fault of their own.

Since the DREAM Act's introduction nearly a decade ago, it has received consistent bipartisan support. Our nation's military has joined the broad coalition of business, labor, faith-based and civic groups that support the DREAM Act, recognizing that immigrant youth are eager to become full Americans and help the United States address its unprecedented economic challenges.
 
The Secretary of Defense, the Secretary of Education and the Secretary of Homeland Security support the DREAM Act because they understand that it will strengthen national security, help educate our promising youth and allow the United States to address the immigration status of children brought to the country at a young age, so that the nation can dedicate its enforcement resources to those who pose a threat to our country. 
 
Should you have any questions or need additional information, please contact Diana Rodriguez, Policy Analyst at drodriguez@naleo.org or 202-546-2536.