FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 16, 2010
Contact: Paco Fabián
(202) 785-1670
Washington, DC—Janet Murguía, President and CEO ofNCLR (National Council of La Raza), the largest national Latino civil rights and advocacy organization in the United States, today joined a cross-section of distinguished Latino leaders from across the political spectrum, as well as in business, government, public service, entertainment, and sports, in sending a letter to the leadership of the U.S. Senate urging them to pass the “Development, Relief, and Education for Alien Minors (DREAM) Act.” This legislation would allow undocumented youth who have grown up in this country the opportunity to achieve conditional legal status and eventually earn the ability to apply for citizenship if they attend college or serve in the military.
“America cannot afford to lose another generation of young people who stand to contribute to its economic and social prosperity,” read the letter addressed to Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid and Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell. “The beneficiaries of the ‘DREAM Act’ are our future teachers, nurses, and engineers. The U.S. has invested in the education of many of these individuals since kindergarten, and it is only fitting that we enable them to serve and contribute, allowing our nation to reap the benefits. The Latino community is counting on Congress to come together and show its support for the future of these young people and the nation.”
The signatories highlighted that support for the “DREAM Act” cuts across party lines and rises above politics. Their support also illustrates how near and dear this issue is to Latinos from all walks of life—it is about realizing the potential of people who came to this country at a young age and stand to contribute to America’s future. Their voices echo those of the majority of the American public, which polls show support the measure, and join an overwhelming outpouring of support for the “DREAM Act” from business, military, religious, civil rights, and education leaders from throughout the country.
Signatories to the letter to the Senate in support of the “DREAM Act” include:
Luis Castillo
Linda Chavez
The Honorable Henry G. Cisneros
Maria Contreras-Sweet
Emilio Estefan
America Ferrera
The Honorable Carlos Gutierrez
Eva Longoria
Monica Lozano
Janet Murguía
Ozomatli
The Honorable Federico F. Peña
The Honorable Bill Richardson
Lionel Sosa
Solomon D. Trujillo
The Honorable Antonio Villaraigosa
NCLR has invited the public to voice support for the urgent plea by signing a petition. Thousands of people across the nation are already calling on their senators to listen to their better angels and do what is in the best interest of our country. Their vote can affirm the fundamental principle that in America we do not punish innocent children.
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