With a possible vote on the DREAM Act in Congress as early as Wednesday, December 1, your help is need now more than ever to remind our elected officials that we should give these talented youth a chance to contribute to this country.
Just what is the DREAM Act, and what can you do? Read on:
TELL THE SENATORS AND REPRESENTATIVES TO VOTE FOR THE DREAM ACT!The vote is imminent, so we have to act quickly and decisively. To access the contact information for your Senators, go here. To contact your Representatives, go here. To reach the Capitol switchboard, you may also call (866) 996-5161. Contact your members now, and spread the word.
There are an estimated 65,000 students who graduate from high school every year without legal immigration status. This includes several young Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders (AAPIs). In the University of California system alone, 40-44% of the undocumented undergraduate student population are estimated to be AAPI. We were able to stop the deportation of Steve Li, but not all students are as lucky. Watch "A DREAM A Part" to hear the stories of AAPI undocumented students who are actively fighting for the passage of the DREAM Act.
If made into law, the DREAM Act would allow individuals brought to the U.S. as children, who have remained in school and are of good moral character, to work towards citizenship. They could get a green card six years after graduating from high school, if during that time they continue on to college or serve in the military. Passage of the DREAM Act would not only enable these young people, who have grown up here and have worked hard, to achieve the American Dream, but to be productive contributors to the country they call their home.
Call your Senators and Representatives in their home offices NOW to urge them to vote for the DREAM Act. We must take action now to support equal opportunity for all students.
