Child advocates applaud first-ever hearing on DREAM Act

Legislation would help immigrant children gain access to higher education

WASHINGTON – Voices for America’s Children, the nation’s largest network of multi-issue child advocacy groups, cheered the first-ever Senate hearing on the DREAM Act today, calling on Congress to pass the legislation that would help some immigrant children gain access to higher education.

“Voices for America’s Children is pleased that the DREAM Act is once again gaining momentum on Capitol Hill,” said Bill Bentley, president and CEO of Voices for America’s Children. “Too many deserving youth are denied opportunities in education in America because they are undocumented, and this legislation would reward students who are the embodiment of the American Dream.”

DREAM, which stands for Development, Relief and Education for Alien Minors, would allow undocumented students to earn citizenship if they came into the country while very young, resided for at least five years, stayed out of trouble, earned a high school diploma or GED, and completed at least two years of college or military service. A version of the DREAM Act failed in the Senate last fall due to filibuster.

“If Congress fails to act quickly, thousands of more children will be forced to face an uncertain future,” said Karen Crompton, executive director of Voices for Utah Children, a Voices member organization. “As an organization committed to the ideals that all our children deserve the opportunity to dream and achieve their full potential, we urge Congress to support the DREAM Act.”

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As the nation’s largest network of multi-issue child advocacy organizations, Voices for America’s Children (Voices) has been on the forefront of every major child policy victory for the past quarter-century. With 62 members nationwide, Voices speaks up for kids, and mobilizes and advocates for public policies to improve the lives of all children, especially those most vulnerable, throughout the United States. Visit us at www.voices.org.

Voices is a founding member of the Children’s Leadership Council, a coalition of more than 50 leading national policy and advocacy organizations. www.childrensleadershipcouncil.com.