Media Contact

Tyler Richard, trichard@aclunebraska.org, 402-476-8091 x104

July 21, 2017

Local faith, business and community leaders urge Nebraska’s U.S. Senators to support DREAM ACT

LINCOLN, Neb - Yesterday Senators Lindsey Graham (R-SC) and Dick Durbin (D-IL) introduced a new bipartisan DREAM Act in the United States Senate to provide a process to legal status and eventual citizenship for young immigrant Nebraskans who came to the U.S. as children. This important development comes on the heels of the latest attack on the Deferred Action from Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program, joined by Nebraska Attorney General Doug Peterson. Friday, 15 Nebraska organizations issued the following joint statement in response.

“The DACA program was the culmination of years of work that unlocked the door for many young immigrant Nebraskans to pursue their dreams and contribute to the country they call home without the constant fear of deportation. Now, the Dream Act would provide the important next step of providing a clear process for citizenship for these hardworking young Nebraskans.

“Our organizations represent a wide range of Nebraska voices: business, faith, rural farmers, immigrants, civil rights and more. We say collectively and resoundingly: Nebraska’s economy and our communities have already benefited from the contributions of young immigrants who have known no other home than our great state and our proud country. We oppose efforts that seek to rescind the DACA program and harm Nebraska’s families and communities.

“This revitalized effort in the United States Senate to pass the DREAM Act demonstrates both the urgency of the situation for thousands of young Nebraskans and strong  bipartisan support. The passage of the DREAM Act and permanent security for young immigrants is long overdue.

“For years the Nebraska Legislature has adopted state laws and resolutions that support young immigrants who want to work and go to school in Nebraska. We urge Senators Fischer and Sasse to sign on to the DREAM Act to ensure young immigrants can continue to give back to the Cornhusker State by strengthening our economy and enriching our communities.”

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This statement is from the following groups: ACLU of Nebraska, Asian Community & Cultural Center, Centro Hispano Comunitario de Nebraska, El Centro de las Americas, Grand Island Latino Network, Heartland Workers Center, Iowa/Nebraska Chapter of American Immigration Lawyers Association, Justice for Our Neighbors - Nebraska, Nebraska Appleseed, Nebraska Cattlemen Association, Nebraska Latino American Commission, Omaha Together One Community, Schlegel Center for Service and Justice at Creighton University, Trinidad Center, Unity in Action.