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Gov. Inslee and Gov. Raimondo write op-ed supporting Dreamers

Governor Jay Inslee and Governor Gina Raimondo of Rhode Island wrote an op-ed featured in Newsweek yesterday. The op-ed praises the contributions Dreamers make to the United States and was a call to action for Congress to play their part in protecting these individuals.

Governors Inslee and Raimondo begin the op-ed by focusing on the responsibility of state governments in supporting Dreamers. They write:

“In Washington and Rhode Island, we’re acting in the absence of strong leadership at the federal level, showing how local leaders are making sure that Dreamers can continue to live in the only country many of them have called home.”

Specifically, on the state level, they describe working with local and national organizations to help with the legal support, financial obstacles, and tools Dreamers need as they face the uncertainty of their futures with the dismantling of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA).

But state governments can’t do it all.

The next step is for Congress to pass legislation that will provide a long-term solution for Dreamers. They write:

“A strongly worded tweet will not protect the 800,000 Dreamers living in our country – but passing the DREAM Act will. We encourage leaders from around the country, both in the public and private sector, to join us as members of the Dream Coalition and lend your voice to the growing chorus demanding that Congress finally enact this bipartisan legislation.”

The DREAM Act directs the DHS to cancel deportation and grant “lawful permanent resident status” to certain individuals who meet specific standards such as having lived in the U.S. for at least four years, entered the U.S prior to age 18, have met educational requirements, and have not been convicted of certain federal/state offenses.

The governors also announced their support for the Dream Coalition, an organization committed to supporting the Dreamers and pushing through the bipartisan DREAM Act. According to the Dream Coalition,

“If Congress does not act immediately, early next year approximately 8,000 Dreamers each week will lose their ability to work legally and become subject to immediate deportation.”

The Dream Coalition’s website provides information on many of the social and economic contributions Dreamers make in the U.S. as well as the negative consequences that could arise if they were deported. It appears Governors Inslee and Raimondo agree with these sentiments as they write:

“Whether you’re a parent, teacher, faith leader, military official, elected leader, small business owner or Fortune 500 CEO, supporting America’s young immigrants is just common sense.”

You can read the entire op-ed here.


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