SENATORS INTRODUCE NEW DREAM ACT

Two Senators, Lindsey Graham and Dick Durbin, are sponsoring an immigration bill that will give a path to citizenship to receipients of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program. Currently, DACA recipients are given a work permit, which must be renewed every two years. DACA recipients are not given any legal status or any way to fix their unlawful status. They can work and live in the US, but that's it. Under this new bipartisan bill, DACA recipients could apply for legal permanent residency after maintaining DACA status for three years. This change will allow DACA recipients to contribute to our country in more meaningful ways, such as joining the armed forces or going to college or vocational school. Currently, only legal permanent residents and US citizens can join the armed forces, and only legal permanent residents and US citizens can obtain public student loans. This is good for our economy because it will allow more talented youth to contribute their skills to our great country. We have lots of talented youth, and there no reason to let all that talent go to waste.

Below is the published media advisory.

MEDIA ADVISORY:

Graham, Durbin to Hold Press Conference on Bipartisan Dream Act

WASHINGTON –U.S. Senators Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina) and Dick Durbin (D-Illinois) will hold a press conference on their bill, The Dream Act of 2017, that would allow a select group of young immigrant students– more commonly known as Dreamers – to earn lawful permanent residence and to have access to a path towards citizenship.

WHEN:

Thursday, July 20

12:30 p.m.

WHERE:

Senate Radio-Television Gallery

S-325

WHO:

U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina)

U.S. Senator Dick Durbin (D-Illinois)

###

BACKGROUND ON BIPARTISAN DREAM ACT

The bipartisan Dream Act would allow a select group of young immigrant students who grew up in the United States to contribute more fully to the country they love.

These young people, known as Dreamers, have lived in America since they were children and built their lives here.

They grew up pledging allegiance to the American flag and singing the Star Spangled Banner. They are American in every way except for their immigration status.

Under current law they live in fear of deportation and cannot fully realize their potential or utilize their talents in service to the communities, cities, and nation they call home.

The Dream Act would allow these young people to earn lawful permanent residence and eventually American citizenship if they:

· Are longtime residents who came to the U.S. as children;

· Graduate from high school or obtain a GED;

· Pursue higher education, work lawfully for at least 3 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.