National Gay and Lesbian Task Force urges passage of fair and humane DREAM Act

The National Gay and Lesbian Task Force, a longtime advocate for fair and humane comprehensive immigration reform, commends the reintroduction this week of the Development, Relief and Education of Alien Minors Act (DREAM Act) in the U.S. Senate and House. The DREAM Act offers undocumented young people “conditional permanent residency” if they arrived in this country before they were 16 and attend college or serve in the military. Upon graduation or completion of their enlistment, they would receive permanent legal residency with an opportunity to apply for U.S. citizenship. In addition to the DREAM Act, the Task Force is working in coalition with immigrant rights groups toward passage of comprehensive immigration reform and the Uniting American Families Act.

Statement by National Gay and Lesbian Task Force Executive Director Rea Carey:

Many people like to say that youth are our future. Passage of the DREAM Act will actually help ensure brighter and more secure futures for our young people, including countless lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender youth, by providing them a path to citizenship. The United States is built on the belief that everyone get a fair shake to fully participate in civic life, and to be able to build a future in the country they love and call home. Passage of the DREAM Act will do justice to this fundamental and humane principle. We thank the Senate and House members who this week reintroduced this critical legislation. We urge for its swift passage, and continue to call on federal lawmakers and the Obama administration to work toward fair and comprehensive immigration reform.