FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: September 23, 2009
CONTACT: Shuya Ohno, (202) 383-5983 or (202) 309-0691 (mobile)

DREAM Act Day of Action Moves Comprehensive Immigration Reform Forward

125 EVENTS ACROSS COUNTRY DEMONSTRATE PASSION, POWER OF YOUTH ACTIVISTS

Washington – “The Reform Immigration FOR America campaign is inspired by the incredible energy and commitment of young leaders across the country who are acting on their faith and belief in our democracy and the American Dream,” said Campaign Manager Rich Stolz about the 125 local events taking place today in communities across America to support passage of the DREAM Act and comprehensive immigration reform.

The events are being organized by the United We DREAM Coalition, and there is significant overlap between the young leaders of these events and the young leaders injecting vitality and enthusiasm into the Reform Immigration FOR America campaign nationally.

“We had about 185 youth leaders gather in Florida this month and about 185 more will gather in Colorado this weekend to go through a ‘boot camp’ that helps prepare them to fight for immigration reform for their families and communities,” Stolz said.  “These young leaders should remind all Members of Congress that the way forward for our country is to make sure that we tap into and embrace the talents and contributions of all members of society, whether they or their parents or siblings have papers or not.”

The Development, Relief and Education for Alien Minors Act is bipartisan legislation that would legalize the immigration status of certain young immigrants who stay in school or provide service to the United States.  It is a stand-alone bill, but it has been included as a component of comprehensive immigration reform in previous Congresses and it is expected to be part of a comprehensive immigration reform package when it moves forward in the Congress later this year.

“Rep. Luis Gutierrez (D-IL) and others who are crafting immigration bills as we speak fully intend to include the DREAM Act as part of their broader proposed reforms”, Stolz said.  “We all prosper when the ideals of opportunity and fairness motivate our nation and we continue to be more inclusive.  We all have a stake in a shared future.”

For a list of events happening today around the country visit: www.dreamactivist.org

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Reform Immigration for America is a united national effort that brings together individuals and grassroots organizations with the mission to build support for workable comprehensive immigration reform.  The campaign connects people from communities across the country who are ready to work together toward achieving the 279 votes needed to win just and humane comprehensive immigration reform legislation: 218 votes in the House of Representatives, 60 votes in the Senate, and one signature from the President.

www.ReformImmigrationForAmerica.org