Washington, DC – The National Council of La Raza (NCLR), the largest national Hispanic civil rights and advocacy organization in the U.S., today gave strong support to “The American Dream Act” introduced today in the U.S. House of Representatives by Representatives Lincoln Diaz-Balart (R-FL), Howard Berman (D-CA), and Lucille Roybal-Allard (D-CA). In addition, Reps. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R-FL), Mario Diaz-Balart (R-FL), Melissa Hart (R-PA), Ray LaHood (R-IL), Jim Leach (R-IA), Luis Fortuño (R-PR), Luis Gutierrez (D-IL), Ike Skelton (D-MO), Jane Harman (D-CA), and Martin Sabo (D-CA) are original cosponsors of the bill. This bipartisan legislation will enable U.S.-raised immigrant students to go to college and start on the path to citizenship.

“This bill will give thousands of young people who have worked hard in school and have demonstrated a willingness to contribute to this country the chance to follow their dreams to college,” stated Janet Murguía, NCLR President and CEO. “We are pleased that Republicans and Democrats on the Senate Judiciary Committee came together to include the language of the “DREAM Act” (S. 2075), which also broadens access to college, as part of the immigration legislation now under debate. We urge the House to follow the Senate’s lead and approve ‘The American Dream Act’ as soon as possible.”

Every year, 65,000 young people whose parents brought them to the U.S. as babies or toddlers graduate from American high schools. While they have the academic credentials to pursue a higher education, their immigration status bars them from opportunities that make a college education affordable – in-state tuition rates, loans and grants, most private scholarships, and the ability to work legally to earn their way through college. “The American Dream Act” and its companion legislation in the Senate will significantly increase access to college for talented young people who otherwise would not be able to seek higher education.

“With graduation around the corner, Congress cannot delay in passing this bill. Otherwise, high school will be the end of the road for thousands of students who have worked hard in school and aspire to contribute to our society as productive, tax-paying workers. These young people are certain to add to the great abundance and economic vitality of this country. Congress must not fail these students and their families by continuing to keep the doors to college and the American Dream closed to them,” concluded Murguía.

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