Durbin Files Dream Act Amendment To The National Security Supplemental

Statement

“I introduced this legislation more than 20 years ago. It provides a path to citizenship for young immigrants who were brought to the United States as children and allows them to remain in the United States—their home. They went to school here. They stood up each morning in the classroom and pledged allegiance to that same flag we just pledged allegiance to. They believed they were part of this country. It wasn't until they were usually 10 or 12 years old their parents told them ‘your legal status is uncertain, you’re undocumented, we don’t know what your future holds, be careful. If you’re not careful, you could be deported, and we could be deported with you.’ That terrible circumstance prevailed for hundreds of thousands of young people in this country. The Dream Act said give them a chance to earn their pathway to citizenship. Thats what the bill said when it was introduced. They’ve known no other home. Yet, without congressional action, they spend every day in fear of deportation.
This is the 140th time that I have told the story of a Dreamer here on the floor of the United States Senate. I can make speeches about the subject, but if you meet these young people and hear their life story, it’s a much more convincing experience.
Though the decision left in place protections for current DACA recipients like Tatiana while the appeal is pending, all of them live in fear that the next court decision will dramatically change their lives. Until a permanent solution is written into law, Tatiana’s service to her community is at risk, as is the service of Dreamers who work as doctors, teachers, engineers, and so much more across America.
I introduced the Dream Act more than 20 years ago to provide a solution—a path to citizenship for Dreamers. That solution is long overdue and should be acted on as quickly as possible. We should all be able to agree that Dreamers only make America better. We in Congress must do better by them. I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting Dreamers and work with me to provide them with a path to be a part of America’s future. This amendment would do just that.”

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