The US Senate voted 52-44 against the DREAM Act last week. A minimum of 60 votes were needed for Senators to begin to debate the merits of creating pathways to citizenship, specifically higher education and the military, for high school graduates who have achieved despite the challenges of being the children of undocumented immigrants. First introduced in 2001, the DREAM Act acronym stands for Development, Relief and Education for Alien Minors. After Congress Comprehensive Immigration Reform efforts stalled earlier this year, many advocates viewed the DREAM Act as the single component with the largest constituency.  

Several HSF grassroots partners were active in working with youth leaders to raise awareness about the issue, including the Fair Immigration Reform Movement (a project of the Center for Community Change), Florida Immigrant Coalition, and the Tennessee Immigrant and Refugee Rights Coalition. The Florida Immigrant Coalition’s response to the vote thanked and celebrated all who stood for supporting all young people in pursuing higher education, preparing for meaningful careers and contributing to the greater good, including both Florida Senators (read the full response). In “Wasted Talent and Broken Dreams” issued by the American Immigration Law Foundation, author Roberto Gonzales estimates that every year 65,000 undocumented high school graduates who have lived in the US for at least 5 years face the challenge of matriculating into college despite adequate financial means. Gonzalez estimates that 5-10% of undocumented high school graduates attend college.