FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

February 6, 2025

HACU urges passage of the DREAM Act

The Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities' (HACU) President and CEO Antonio R. Flores has issued the following statement.

HACU strongly urges Congress and the Administration to swiftly pass the DREAM Act. Hundreds of thousands of Dreamers are exceptional students in K-12 schools and colleges, poised to contribute significantly to our nation's workforce upon graduation. Like those who came before them, they will strengthen our economy and communities as dedicated and productive members of society. This country has invested in their education, health, and other essential services for years, while their parents have contributed through taxes and bolstered economic growth. It is imperative we capitalize on their skills, work ethic, and the national investments made in their development to ensure a brighter future for all of us.

It is estimated that there are 1.5 million undocumented Dreamers across the country, in addition to more than 500 thousand DACA recipients. More than 2 million children, youth, and adults who arrived in the U.S. as minors could be provided a pathway to citizenship by the DREAM Act.

Many of these Dreamers have emerged as successful professionals, business owners, and civic leaders, making invaluable contributions to the advancement of their communities. Numerous Dreamers are also parents of U.S. born citizens, with English as their primary language and America as the only country they have ever known. They remain in legal limbo despite their accomplishments and deep ties to this nation, unable to fully participate in society and secure their futures. This untenable situation undermines their potential and our nation’s prosperity.

We call on the U.S. Congress to work with President Trump on his suggestion to legalize the status of Dreamers and DACA recipients with a pathway to citizenship without delay. Given the favorable disposition to this solution on both sides of the aisle, passing the DREAM Act would be a first step in the right direction towards comprehensive immigration reform.

HACU is dedicated to rallying the support of all who are invested in the future of our nation and its most valuable resource—its people, including Dreamers and DACA recipients—urging the swift passage of the DREAM Act in the first session of the 119th Congress. We call on all individuals and organizations who share our commitment to join us in advocating for this critical legislation. Now is the time to act, and together, we can ensure that Dreamers have the opportunity to contribute fully to the continued strengthening and progress of our nation. 

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