Fellow Illinoisan,

Generations of Americans have looked to the Supreme Court to help move our nation closer to the “more perfect union” promised in our Constitution. Sometimes the Court has fallen short. Other times, the Court has risen to the challenge.

Now, the Court is considering another issue of fundamental human rights - the fate of Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) and the hundreds of thousands of Dreamers who came to the United States as children. They are American in every way, except for their immigration status. 

DURBIN CALLS ON SENATE TO PASS DREAM & PROMISE ACT

Thankfully, lower courts have blocked President Trump’s cruel repeal of DACA. But last week, the President took his case against DACA all the way to the Supreme Court. I hope the Justices will step in to protect Dreamers, but only Congress can provide a pathway to citizenship for Dreamers.

The House of Representatives responded to President Trump’s decision to repeal DACA by passing the bipartisan American Dream and Promise Act, which would give Dreamers a chance to earn their citizenship. This legislation is based on the Dream Act, which I first introduced 19 years ago.  

Now, it’s up to the Senate to do its job. We can finally give Dreamers permanent protection from deportation and a chance and to realize their full potential - but first, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell must call the Dream and Promise Act for a vote. 

Until that happens, I will never stop fighting for Dreamers.

Sincerely, 

U.S. Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL)