FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

May 8, 2024

HACU urges Congress to prioritize passing the Dream Act

SAN ANTONIO – The Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities has released a statement following a written testimony submitted on May 08, 2024, to the Senate Judiciary Committee. In the testimony, HACU President and CEO Antonio R. Flores urged Congress to pass the Dream Act as a permanent, lasting immigration reform.

“HACU calls on Congress to prevent the devastating economic and societal impacts of failing to secure the future of Dreamers with and without DACA. The Dream Act would provide these young individuals with the stability and opportunities they need to fully realize their potential and continue contributing to the only country they call home,” said HACU President and CEO Antonio R. Flores. “Now is the time for a bipartisan compromise that ensures permanent protections for Dreamers, separate from the debates over border security and other immigration issues.”

Over 400,000 undocumented students including many Dreamers currently pursue higher education, highlighting their integral role in our communities. A decade after DACA's implementation, more than 830,000 individuals have been granted deferred action but face legal uncertainties and the inability to apply for DACA amidst ongoing federal court proceedings. The vast majority of these individuals arrived in the United States at a very young age and the U.S. is their only home, becoming essential workers, doctors, nurses, teachers, engineers, homeowners, military members, business founders and taxpayers. A permanent legislative solution has broad support among both Republicans and Democrats and the various sectors of the economy that benefit from the talents and contributions of Dreamers.

Read the full text of the testimony here.

HACU has issued a call to action to its members and supporters to contact Members of Congress to urge them to pass the Dream Act. Click here to send a letter to your Member of Congress