NACAC expressed its strong support today for the reintroduction of the DREAM Act, which would provide certain undocumented students the opportunity to become lawful permanent residents and eventually apply for citizenship.

The DREAM Act, first proposed in the early 2000s and reintroduced this afternoon by Senator Lindsay Graham (R-SC) and Senator Richard Durbin (D-IL), would also allow states to grant in-state tuition to DREAMers — making a college degree more affordable for thousands of students.

“NACAC has long supported the DREAM Act,” said Nancy Beane, president of NACAC. “These students have worked hard throughout their academic careers and remained in good standing with their communities. Unfortunately, the opportunity to pursue a college degree to further support themselves and their families has been restricted by policies that render postsecondary education unaffordable. These students should be allowed the opportunity to realize their full educational potential, and in so doing, contribute to American cultural and economic vitality.”

The legislation would permit individuals that meet specific requirements to apply for legal status, allowing them to live, work, and study in the United States. In addition, this legislation, if passed, would provide greater clarity to the roughly 787,000 students who were granted Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) status but whose futures have been cast in doubt under the current administration.

“This legislation is fair and reasonable,” said Beane. “I urge Congress to pass it and President Trump to sign it into law at the earliest opportunity.”

For more information, contact NACAC’s Director of Government Relations Michael Rose at 703-299-6817.