CUPA-HR Joins Higher Ed Groups to Support the Dream Act of 2017

On July 25, CUPA-HR joined the American Council on Education and more than 30 higher ed groups in a letter of support for the Dream Act of 2017. The bill, which was introduced on July 20 by Sens. Lindsey Graham (R-SC) and Richard Durbin (D-IL), would allow undocumented immigrants — often referred to as Dreamers — who grew up in the United States the ability to earn lawful permanent residence and provide a pathway to citizenship.

Specifically, the bill, which was first introduced by Sen. Durbin 16 years ago, would provide permanent resident status on an eight-year conditional basis for those who came to the U.S. as children and have been here at least four years as of the enactment date of the bill, graduate from high school or obtain a GED, pursue higher education, work lawfully for at least three years or serve in the military, and meet other requirements.

Our letter urges Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) and Senate Minority Leader Charles Schumer (D-NY) to advance the legislation so that the Senate can approve it before the end of the year.  It states that “this bill is designed to focus on the special case of undocumented young people who came to this country because of the actions of their parents … [growing] up with American values and traditions, making them American in virtually every way except for their immigration status … and we cannot afford to stymie their aspirations to continue their education and contribute to our economy and society.”