“We are disappointed that Congress by all
indications will continue to leave hundreds of thousands of outstanding
young people, those bright and talented individuals known as Dreamers,
living in fear and uncertainty. President Trump asked Congress to take
action to protect Dreamers when he rescinded the Deferred Action for
Childhood Arrivals program, and there is strong bipartisan support in
both chambers for doing just that. So it is distressing that Congress
reportedly will leave Dreamers in limbo as these high-achieving
individuals try to make decisions beyond the next few months about their
education, jobs, or serving in the military.
Dreamers were brought here as children and,
despite the challenges they face, have made incredible contributions to
our country and its economy and security. Colleges and universities have
seen many of these exceptional individuals up close, in our classrooms
and as colleagues and friends. We cannot shut the door to an entire
generation of young people who seek only to contribute their best to
America, the only coutry they have ever called home.
If this serious issue is not resolved this
week, we urge Congress to move swiftly to adopt a long-term solution for
Dreamers as lawmakers work to finalize the FY 2018 appropriations
process in January.”