NALEO Urges Elected Latino Officials and Community Leaders to Advocate for DREAM Act
Latino elected officials and civic leaders have a critical opportunity to help secure the support of their Senators and Member of Congress for the DREAM Act, says the National Association of Latino Elected and Appointed Officials (NALEO), which would enable thousands of immigrant students to make significant advancements in their education or a military career. Because of the changes in Congress resulting from the 2010 election, NALEO feels this may be the last opportunity for the next few years to make a difference in the lives of DREAM students.
Congressional action is expected on the Development, Relief, and Education for Alien Minors (DREAM) Act during the “lame duck” session, which starts this week. The legislation allows eligible students who entered this country before age 16 and who have been in the United States for at least five years to earn legal status if they pass background checks, attend college, or serve in the military for at least two years.
In past weeks, both Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV) and Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) have demonstrated their commitment to advancing the Act in early December. The Senate is expected to schedule a vote on the bill this week and the House is expected to vote on the bill this week or make the provisions of the DREAM Act an amendment to another piece of legislation.
NALEO is urging Latino elected official or community leader, to play a crucial role in advocating for the passage of the DREAM Act by educating their constituents and stakeholders about the importance of passing this legislation and encouraging them to contact their Senators and Member of Congress to urge them to pass the DREAM Act. Anyone can call the U.S. Capitol Switchboard at 202-224-3121 to be connected to their Senators’ and Member of Congress’ Office.
The NALEO Educational Fund has prepared talking points and is providing everyone with a description of some of the more common “myths” about the DREAM Act and factual responses to them that can be found on their website.