What happens to a young person who is not allowed to dream?


Each year approximately 50,000-65,000 undocumented students graduate from American high schools. Many of these youth were brought to the United States when they were very young and grew up in American schools, learning American values and experiencing American culture. Unfortunately, the majority of these youngsters are not able to access higher education due to the lack of in-state tuition for undocumented students and their inability to work legally to pay for school. Some would like to serve in the Armed Forces but they are not allowed to do so. Essentially, these high school graduates have no place to take their diplomas. Instead, they may be deported.

Call the President and urge him to stop deportations and let these young people pursue their dreams. 

The DREAM Act is legislation that would grant young people, who were born outside of the United States but have spent much of their lives here, the opportunity to go to college, join the military, or work for a specific period of time after which they become eligible for citizenship. While the legislation has bipartisan support, it has not received majority support in the present legislative climate.

 The President has the ability to grant “Categorical Administrative Relief” to young people who would be eligible for relief under the Dream Act. These students should be provided relief from deportation and granted the opportunity to continue their education, work or serve in the armed forces of the country they call their own.

Call the President

On Monday, June 18th, CALL the White House at (202) 456-1111 and urge President Obama to STOP DEPORTING immigrant youth. "Not one more DREAM deported!" Anyone who would be eligible for legal status under the DREAM Act should not be deported.

 Talking Points

    • I urge President Obama to stop deporting immigrant students. Young people who were brought to this country as children and educated in the American system should not be forced to leave the United States which, in many cases, is the only home they know.
    • The President should stand by his executive order that directed immigration authorities to focus on deporting immigrants who committed crimes, not youth who were brought here by their parents. He must also ensure that the executive order is consistently and fully implemented by all immigration authorities. They must stop deporting immigrant youth.

    • Eligible immigrant high school graduates should be provided relief from deportation and authorized to work, attend school, and serve in the military. They should be able to pursue their dreams.

Contact Info

Edith Rasell, Ph.D.
Minister for Economic Justice
700 Prospect Ave.
Cleveland, OH 44115