February 6, 2018
HACU and Texas higher education supporters urge US Senate Action on the DREAM Act
The Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities (HACU) and 20 institutions and associations in Texas that collectively represent millions of Americans sent a letter to Senator John Cornyn on February 5, 2018, urging the senate to support allowing the Dream Act (S. 1615) to be brought up for a floor vote before Feb. 8. “We believe it’s imperative that you and Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) keep the promise that the issue would soon be considered by the full Senate,” stated HACU President & CEO Antonio R. Flores in the letter.
“Beyond the humanitarian concerns, there are real economic consequences for the continued inaction of Congress on the Dream Act and the plight of the more than 800,000 Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) recipients.”
The letter further notes “many of the 472 Hispanic-Serving Institutions across the country, including 83 in Texas, are located in communities with significant populations of undocumented Hispanic youth and are ideally situated to provide them with postsecondary opportunities. To be eligible for DREAM Act benefits, students must already have shown themselves of good moral character and solid academic performance. Indeed, to reach the level of college admission with all the disadvantages of undocumented status is an indication of a remarkable drive to succeed and commitment to contribute to their adopted U.S. homeland. Our schools and communities are richer and stronger for their presence among us.”
Click here for the letter from HACU and Texas higher education supporters urging US Senate Action on the DREAM Act.
February 8, 2018, is the deadline to pass the next Continuing Resolution (CR) or final FY 2018 budget.
March 5, 2018, is the deadline set by President Donald Trump on DACA, barring Congressional action.
Signatories of this letter included:
El Paso Community College
Legacy Preparatory Charter Academy
Northwest Vista College
Our Lady of the Lake University
Rice University
San Antonio College
Schreiner University
South Texas College
St. Edward's University
Sul Ross State University
Texas Association of Chicanos in Higher Education
Texas State Teachers Association
Texas State University
Texas Tech University
Texas Woman's University
The University of Texas at San Antonio
The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley
University of Houston Victoria
University of Texas at Arlington
Victoria College
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