Justice

< Back ///Rapid Response 09/07/10

DREAM Act
Information and Action Days September 13 and 14

Despite the fact that comprehensive immigration reform continues to flounder in Congress, pieces of that reform are getting some attention, including the DREAM Act (S.729 and H.R.1751). This Act would give undocumented youth who have grown up in the United States the opportunity to get status if they pursued higher education or joined the military.

Each year 65,000 undocumented youth graduate from high school. Most of them were brought to the United States by their parents when they were small children. Because of their undocumented status, many of them are unable to go to college, because financial assistance is not available to them. The DREAM Act would allow qualifying undocumented youth to begin a 6 year long conditional path to citizenship by completing a college degree or serving in the military for two years.

On Monday, September 13th at 4pm EST, a monthly National Faith and Immigration Conference Call will feature DREAM students telling their stories and advocates sharing resources about the DREAM Act. The call-in number is 800-920-7487 and the access code is 76723736. On Tuesday, September 14th, there will be a National Faith Call-In Day for the DREAM Act.

Please join the call to learn more about the DREAM Act and contact your Congresspersons to let them know the faith community cares about these young people and wants them to have an opportunity to become productive members of American society.

Rev. Jennifer Riggs,
Director of Refugee and Immigration Ministries
Disciples Home Missions
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E-mail: jriggs@dhm.disciples.org
Telephone: (317) 713-2643 or toll-free (888) 346-2631
Web site: http://www.discipleshomemissions.org/RIM/