UnidosUS: Nation Would Be Strengthened by Bipartisan Bill to Support DREAMers

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WASHINGTON, DC—Janet Murguía, President and CEO of UnidosUS (previously known as the National Council of La Raza), issued the following statement in response to the re-introduction of the “DREAM (Development, Relief, and Education for Alien Minors) Act.”

“We are encouraged by the steps Republican Senator Lindsey Graham of South Carolina and Senator Dick Durbin, a Democrat from Illinois, are taking to reach across the aisle and once again attempt a meaningful, bipartisan solution to address the threats to the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, or DACA, program. This is a time of uncertainty for many DREAMers in our community and we all should recognize what is at stake for our undocumented youth and their families.

“Since the implementation of the DACA program, we have witnessed the full breadth of the economic and social contributions of young Latinos. To end DACA would mean a U.S. GDP loss of $433.4 billion over the next 10 years. And for the nearly 800,000 immigrant youth protected under DACA, this program has not only proven to be a lifeline, but an opportunity to fulfill academic and professional goals that once felt unattainable. Today, the DACA community is composed of doctors, engineers, students and educators—hardworking, passionate individuals who have and continue to enrich our society. We know the positive and significant impact of DACA, and we need a permanent solution that will recognize how these talented and dynamic young people have strengthened our country,” Murguía concluded.

UnidosUS, previously known as NCLR (National Council of La Raza), is the nation’s largest Hispanic civil rights and advocacy organization. Through its unique combination of expert research, advocacy, programs, and an Affiliate Network of nearly 300 community-based organizations across the United States and Puerto Rico, UnidosUS simultaneously challenges the social, economic, and political barriers at the national and local levels. For almost 50 years, UnidosUS has united communities and different groups seeking common ground through collaboration, and that share a desire to make our country stronger. For more information on UnidosUS, visit unidosus.org or follow us on Facebook and Twitter.