FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) — Senators on Capitol Hill have re-introduced the bipartisan bill known as the “DREAM ACT”.
A Thursday morning press conference marked the latest effort to help pave a pathway to U.S. citizenship for young immigrants based on merit.
The bill has been presented to congress at least two dozen times since 2001, when it was first introduced by Senator Dick Durbin.
“The dream is still alive. The dream is still righteous, that dream is still just, that dream is still alive and we are committed as ever to get it to the finish line,” says California Democratic Senator, Alex Padilla, who was at Thursday morning’s press conference in support
If passed, the DREAM ACT could change the lives of tens of thousands of people in the Central Valley.
The decades-long effort is something Fresno Immigration Attorney and naturalized citizen herself, Adilene Flores has been pushing for since high school.
“They have the merits to benefit from this, that they should be recognized as a contributing member in our society, and not just live in the shadows. They should be given this path to citizenship and there’s no better time than now,” says Flores Estrada.
Fresno’s Education and Leadership Foundation Executive Director, Mario Gonzalez, also hopes to see the DREAM ACT in action one day.
He knows first hand the relief that comes with attaining citizenship.
“As an immigrant myself, once I was able to establish my status, I no longer feared being stopped. I no longer feared being detained or having interactions with law enforcement,” recalls Gonzalez.
He continues, “This would be an opportunity for those who feel like they’re being targeted, who fear being out and coming out into our community, an opportunity to establish themselves.”
But a spokesperson for the American Legion says they oppose the DREAM Act because they believe it would provide amnesty to the children of immigrants living in the country illegally and would displace American citizens in college classrooms.
However, advocates see it differently, welcoming those who contribute through the U.S. Military Service, work and education
They say it would help build a better country while empowering future leaders.
“And the only thing that’s standing in their way is their legal status. Everybody knows a dreamer. Please, help this pass,” urges Flores Estrada.
She expresses that people can help in many ways, “Lobbying is one, calling your senators is another, talking about it is another, openly embracing it is another way to do this.”
Local non-profits do offer support services through immigration workshops, those resources can be found here.
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