Civil and Human Rights Coalition Applauds Reintroduction of the DREAM Act

Wade Henderson, president and CEO of The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights, issued the following statement in response to today’s reintroduction of the DREAM Act by Senator Dick Durbin:

“We applaud Senator Durbin for reintroducing this important bill and pursuing a pathway that will enable these deserving youths to move from the shadows into the sunlight of our society. The tens of thousands of DREAMers who grew up in America but lack legal status have demonstrated an exceptional work ethic, an aptitude for learning, and a volunteer spirit that epitomizes the core values that Americans holds dear.

The Senate’s failure last December to pass the DREAM Act – despite majority support for it – was a grave injustice and a disappointment. But the debate sparked by the legislation – which continues – is essential for the future of our nation and the larger effort to fix our broken immigration system.

As President Obama said yesterday, immigrants have helped make this country stronger and more prosperous. And Senator Durbin’s continued leadership on the DREAM Act is a healthy signal that America will not back away from immigration reform that honors the dignity of working people, exemplifies core American values, and ensures the security and prosperity of our nation.

The civil and human rights movement will continue to call on Congress to take up the serious work that must be done to enact comprehensive immigration reform that includes both strong border enforcement and a pathway to citizenship for undocumented immigrants who are already contributing to our economy and our society.”

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Wade Henderson is the president and CEO of The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights is a coalition charged by its diverse membership of more than 200 national organizations to promote and protect the rights of all persons in the United States. The Leadership Conference works toward an America as good as its ideals. For more information on The Leadership Conference and its 200-plus member organizations, visit www.civilrights.org.