February 5, 2021
HACU statement on introduction of the bipartisan Dream Act of 2021
SAN ANTONIO, TX – The Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities (HACU) has issued the following statement on the introduction of the Dream Act of 2021, by U.S. Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL), incoming Chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee, and Senator Lindsey Graham (R-SC), which would allow immigrant students without lawful status who were brought here as children and grew up in the United States to earn lawful permanent residence and, eventually, American citizenship.
"HACU wholeheartedly supports the bipartisan bill that was reintroduced by Senators Durbin and Graham. We commend them for spearheading this bill to finally pass the Dream Act and help deserving individuals, many who are and have been enrolled at colleges and universities nationwide and others who are essential workers,” said HACU President and CEO Antonio R. Flores.
The Dream Act of 2021 would allow these young people to earn lawful permanent residence and subsequently American citizenship if they: came to the U.S. as children and are without lawful status; 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.
“The bill puts worthy and hard-working young people who attend college or join the military on the path to U.S. citizenship. We view this as a down payment on Comprehensive Immigration Reform and look forward to its expeditious passage in the 117th Congress,” added Flores.
Durbin and Graham introduced identical legislation in the last two sessions of Congress. Senator Durbin first introduced the Dream Act 20 years ago. HACU has been a longstanding champion for the passage of the DREAM Act, first introduced in 2001, which would regularize the status of eligible undocumented immigrants. National polls indicate that most Americans sympathize with the plight of the Dreamers and support legislation that would allow them to remain legally in the U.S.