Today, Sen. Richard Durbin (D-IL) reintroduced the DREAM Act, a bill that would allow access to affordable postsecondary education, opportunities for military service and potentially a path to full citizenship to thousands of qualified young students striving for a better future.

Leslie Watson Malachi, director of African American Ministers in Action, a program of People For the American Way, issued the following statement:

“As people of faith, we cannot stand by while young people are treated like criminals for nothing more than hard work and a desire to be part of the country they know and love. The DREAM Act is a common-sense solution that would remove barriers preventing honorable young people—who were brought to this country as children through no fault of their own—from going to college, serving in the military and contributing to society. It reflects our nation’s highest ideals as the land of hope and opportunity, and we refuse to let the divisive politics of fear deny so many dedicated young people the chance to make America a better place.”

African American Ministers in Action, a program of People For the American Way, is an alliance of over 700 progressive African American clergy supporting social justice, civil rights, and reproductive health and justice.

 

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