DREAM University Starts Today
Hundreds of immigrant students and their allies from around the country will be starting classes at “DREAM University” today in Washington, DC in an attempt to pressure Congress to pass the DREAM Act before their August Recess.
The DREAM Act is a bill that would provide a path to earned citizenship for those that were brought to the US as children, and who stay out of trouble, graduate college (or get a GED), and complete either two years of college or military service. Each year around 65,000 “DREAMers,” as those who would benefit from this legislation have come to be called, graduate from high school and face tough barriers to continuing their education and participating in what is often the only society they call “home.” At DREAM University, students will be able to attend free classes and workshops by educators, organizers, and others, while making time to lobby Congress and engage others in their cause. There is also talk of a graduation ceremony, similar to the one featured in this Campus Progress video:
This new institution of higher learning and action is a symbol of what we stand to gain by passing the DREAM Act. Instead of shutting the door to those who are American except on paper, we can welcome give these young people a chance to contribute and fully participate in the society they have called home for most of their lives.
You can register for DREAM U, and find out how to volunteer or teach a class, by checking out this Facebook event. You should also tell Congress to pass it now!
Pedro de la Torre III is a former Advocacy Senior Associate at Campus Progress.
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