DREAM Act Now!

The DREAM has been deferred for more than a decade.

Now is the time to act.

The Development, Relief and Education for Alien Minors Act is federal legislation that would provide qualified undocumented US high school students to earn legal residency by serving in U.S. Armed Forces or attend college for at least two years.

While Massachusetts continues to deliberate whether to allow undocumented graduates of its high schools to pay the in-state rate at public colleges and universities, several other states have sparked the debate around immigrants and higher education. Georgia banned undocumented students from its most popular public universities this year. Conversely, California’s supreme court recently ruled unanimously to protect its in-state tuition policy (which 10 other states including Texas already have).

Once again, instead of making progress on educating this group of youths, Washington faces a gridlocked Congress on the issue. The Migration Policy Institute estimates that 2.1m people nationwide, almost one million of whom are under 18, would be eligible to apply for conditional legal status under the DREAM Act. After being introduced in the past ten years, the DREAM was tied to the fate of other bills, procedures, and politics. It will finally be voted on this week as a stand-alone bill.

The DREAM Act will not only incentivize education and military service, both of which are smart ways to prepare talented and engaged new citizens, but also develop an already-motivated group of students to contribute to our economy. Most importantly, the DREAM Act will offer these students, who are American in every sense except for their legal status, a chance to learn, serve and add to America’s rich tradition of welcoming all those who work hard.

DREAMers have organized a week of action around the nation, prompting a chorus of support from businesses, faith communities, universities, and advocates – and a spectrum of editorial voices, including: Wall Street Journal, New York Times, LA Times, Chicago Tribune, Boston Globe, The Economist, FOX News, Washington Post

Please join the Student Immigrant Movement, dozens of organizations and hundreds of DREAM Activists near the Boston Common 11/29: DREAM Act Rally: 3-6 PM @ 138 Tremont Street, Boston

For MA residents, call your legislators now: 1-866-996-5161

• Thank all MA members of congress and Senator Kerry.
• Urge Senator Brown to vote 'YES'
• For other senators representing New England, visit: http://dreamact.info/advocacy/senators

NY Times Article Highlights Struggles of Mixed-Status Families; Report Laments Barriers to Higher Ed Access Faced by Undocumented Students

A New York Times article over the weekend chronicled the challenges faced by mixed-status families, including the economic, social, and emotional strain of straddling two separate worlds within a single family.

A new report on higher ed access for undocumented students was released by a University of Washington professor. The report laments the "wasted talent" of high-achieving undocumented students being denied equal access to higher education because they are forced to pay out-of-state tuition rates, which are as much as three times in-state rates. To compund the high prices of out-of-state tuition costs at public colleges, undocumented students do not qualify for federal financial aid and many other loan and grant programs.

Here are some DREAM Act (federal version of education equality legislation) videos that show the students our state and public college system is missing out on:






- Toby

Thank Legislators Who Support Immigrant Rights

Earlier this week, Representative Pam Richardson of Framingham came under fire for a video in which she offers her support of voting rights in local elections for immigrants and in-state tuition rates and driver's licenses for the undocumented.



It is clear from the video that Representative Richardson's position is well researched and comes with the best interest of her district and its taxpayers in mind. Far too often, folks are completely unaware that all immigrants, including the undocumented, contribute millions of dollars to MA in the form of taxes and billions in sales; yet, they have no representation in the voting booth or access to most government services and benefits.

When politicians put their reputation on the line to support immigrants and their rights, it is essential that we thank them for their support. Please contact Representative Richardson to thank her for supporting the rights and opportunities of immigrants and citizens in her district and for standing up for what she believes in. Help drown out the hateful and divisive calls she has been receiving for promoting fairness and equality in our Commonwealth.

Rep. Richardson's Office: 617-722-2582