WASHINGTON, D.C.  (Press Release)– National Education Association (NEA)  President Dennis Van Roekel and League of Latin American Citizens (LULAC) president Margaret Moran have both urged Congress to pass the Development, Relief and Education for Alien Minors (DREAM) Act, which would provide a path to legal status for young people whose parents brought them to the United States as undocumented children years ago. 

Essentially, they could earn their citizenship either by graduating from college or by serving in the U.S. military.

“The DREAM Act is a resounding affirmation that education remains the key to economic security and prosperity for all students,” said Van Roekel. “But under the current, outdate immigration system, undocumented children of immigrants who grew up in this country and who call America home are being deprived of such opportunities.

“We believe this legislation is a fair, practical solution that upholds the best of our shared values of fairness, accountability and a strong work ethic. We urge Congress to pass the DREAM Act to allow these students to achieve their dreams and to continue contributing to their communities and society.”

“The DREAM Act is absolutely crucial to ensuring that all young people in the United States, regardless of their immigration status, can achieve their educational and vocational goals,” said Moran. “The students who stand to benefit from this bill are talented, motivated young adults who have gained admission to college, overcoming many obstacles. Providing these students with the opportunity to pursue a better future for themselves and their families is a quintessentially American gesture and would be a tribute to American values of fairness and equal opportunity.”

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Preceding culled from NEA and LULAC press releases