Graham, Durbin Reintroduce Dream Act - S.874

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Lindsey Graham (R-SC) and Dick Durbin (D-IL) introduced the Dream Act of 2019, which would allow immigrant students who were brought here as children and grew up in the United States to earn lawful permanent residence and eventually American citizenship.  Graham and Durbin introduced identical legislation in the last session of Congress.

These young people, known as Dreamers, have lived in America since they were children, built their lives here, and are American in every way except for their immigration status.  However, under current law there is no chance for them to ever become citizens and fulfill their potential.

“These young people have lived in America since they were children and built their lives here,” said Graham.  “There is support across the country for allowing Dreamers – who have records of achievement – to stay, work, and reach their full potential.  We should not squander these young people’s talents. Our legislation would allow these young people – who grew up in the United States – to contribute more fully to this country.  They have a powerful story to tell and this may be an area where both parties can come together.”

“Hundreds of thousands of talented young people who have grown up in our country are at risk of deportation to countries they barely remember.  I’ll do everything in my power as a United States Senator to protect these Dreamers and give them the chance to become American citizens so they can contribute to a brighter future for all Americans,” said Durbin.  “I first introduced the Dream Act 19 years ago, and I’ll continue fighting until it becomes the law of the land.  This is a matter of simple American fairness and justice.  I thank Chairman Graham for partnering with me again in this important bipartisan effort.”

The Dream Act of 2019 would allow these young people to earn lawful permanent residence and eventually American citizenship if they:

• Are longtime residents who came to the U.S. as children;
• Graduate from high school or obtain a GED;
• Pursue higher education, work lawfully for at least three years, or serve in the military;
• Pass security and law enforcement background checks and pay a reasonable application fee;
• Demonstrate proficiency in the English language and a knowledge of United States history; and
• Have not committed a felony or other serious crimes and do not pose a threat to our country.

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03.27.19

Durbin Continues Fight For The Passage Of The Dream Act

WASHINGTON — Following yesterday’s introduction of the bipartisan Dream Act of 2019, U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) today came to the Senate floor to call on Republican leaders in the Senate to pass this important legislation.  Introduced with Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Lindsey Graham (R-SC), the bipartisan Dream Act would allow immigrant students who were brought here as children and grew up in the United States to earn lawful permanent residence and eventually American citizenship.

“They’ve [Dreamers] never known another country.  They were just kids when they were brought here.  Shouldn’t we do the right thing in America, this nation of immigrants, this country of opportunity, this shining city on the hill?  Yes, we should,” Durbin said.  

Durbin first introduced the Dream Act nineteen years ago, and Graham and Durbin previously introduced the Dream Act of 2017.  The Dream Act was also included in the 2013 comprehensive immigration reform bill that Durbin and Graham coauthored part of the “Gang of Eight” – four Democrats and four Republicans.  The 2013 bill passed the Senate on a strong bipartisan vote of 68-32, but the Republican leadership of the House of Representative refused to consider it.

Video of Durbin’s remarks on the Senate floor are available here.

Audio of Durbin’s remarks on the Senate floor is available here.

Footage of Durbin’s remarks on the Senate floor is available here for TV Stations.

Today, Durbin also shared the story of Karla Robles, who was only eight years old when she was brought to the United States from Mexico.  She is the 116th Dreamer whose story Durbin has told on the Senate floor.  When Karla started school in the 3rd grade, she didn’t speak a word of English.  But she worked hard and quickly became an excellent student.  In 7th grade, Karla received the American Legion Award, which was given to one boy and one girl in the class who, “are deemed most worthy of the high qualities of citizenship and of true Americanism.” 

In high school, Karla was a member of the National Honors Society and the President’s Club, and she was active in student government.  She also participated in TRUST, a mentoring program for younger students, and she was the captain and MVP of the varsity tennis team.  Karla received her associate’s degree from Harper College, and she is now a senior at Loyola University Chicago.  

During college, Karla has been on the National Honor Roll, and the Dean’s List.  She also volunteers with an outreach program for at-risk youth and with AmeriCorps VISTA, and she founded a tutoring program for elementary school students.  When she graduates this year, she will become a high school teacher in Chicago Public Schools.  She wants to pursue her Master’s Degree, and to eventually become a high school guidance counselor.