Moving DREAM Act Graduation in DC Today
From the National Immigration Law Center:
A DREAM for America – Hundreds of immigrant students gathered for a “DREAM” graduation ceremony in Washington, D.C.
Washington D.C. – In advance of President Obama’s key meeting on Immigration Reform, over 500 immigrant students and their supporters held a moving “DREAM” Graduation ceremony steps from the U.S. Capitol. The event highlighted the achievements of our nation’s undocumented youth and the vast support for passage of the Development, Relief, and Education for Alien Minors (DREAM) Act.
The DREAM Act is bipartisan legislation that addresses the situation faced by young people who were brought to the United States years ago as undocumented immigrant children, and who have since grown up here. These talented youth are being denied the ability to fully contribute to society.
Fully clad in graduation attire, immigrant students from Texas, New York, California, Massachusetts, Florida, Illinois and beyond shared their dreams for America and their hope to be accepted by the country they love. “This graduation event highlights the many dreams deferred of thousands of young people across America caught in the web of our broken immigration system,” said Marielena Hincapié, Executive Director of the National Immigration Law Center (NILC). “The students call on the administration and Congress to reform our immigration laws so they can develop their full potential and contribute to the U.S.,” added Hincapié.
Among those participating in the ceremony were Hilary Shelton, NAACP Washington Bureau Vice President; Josh Bernstein, SEIU Director of Immigration; and Bill Kamela, Microsoft Senior Director of Education and Workplace Policy. They spoke passionately about the need to support our youth and give them the opportunity to realize their full potential.
One of the students recognized at today’s event was Walter Lara, who was presented the “Courage Award” by Mr. Kamela. Walter was brought to the United States when he was just 3 years old. He graduated from Miami Dade College with honors but may never get the opportunity use his degree in service to this country. Because the DREAM Act has not been passed, Walter is scheduled to be deported by July 6th to a country he has never known.
“Walter Lara is one of thousands of examples of missed opportunities to strengthen our nation’s future by capturing the talents of young people who have grown up in the U.S.” said Adey Fisseha, Interim Federal Policy Director of NILC. Passing the DREAM Act is not only essential to securing the best future for these students but also for our nation,” Fisseha added.
The students concluded their visit to Washington D.C. by meeting their members of Congress and urging them to support the DREAM Act.NILC congratulates the UWD Coalition on this successful event. We join the UWD Coalition in echoing the words of Kemi, a speaker at today’s event; “I look forward to the day when DREAMers are no longer forced to live in the shadows, and America realizes their tremendous potential and ability.”
In addition to the events in Washington, D.C., solidarity events were held from coast to coast. A list of the events is available at http://www.dreamactivist.org/dream-graduations-coast-coast/
To speak with immigrant students, educators or for more information please contact: Tolu Olubunmi (Olubunmi@nilc.org) 240-505-5921(c)
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