Basic Dream Act Press Release

For everybody, this is a basic press release something to give to your local radio, newspaper or other media outlets. Either your town or school. As you might not see, I took Mark's phone because I didn't had his permission to publish. If you want to put this and add his phone please contact me at alexog@sbcglobal.net.

Also, you can add yourself or your organization as a contact because although Mark is a heck of a guy, you are pretty much the best advocate. It is okay if you do not say that you are undocumented but needless to say, telling your story is what makes this deal work. Also, dreamactivist has a list of possible media contacts but if you attend the school and live in the town your testimony is more powerful than that of MA Graduate, Quaker, Mark or anyone in this site. You are one of them. You are a child of that town and your pain is their pain.

Feel free to modify the article and add or take something. Still, I like this one because is simple and to the point. If you need some prep or just some love back to give a good interview/testimonial, again, feel free to email me and I'll help you as much as I am able.

Finally, do not email mark or me with questions over if you qualify or not. Once the bill passes and we all do the locomotion, we can have a chat and invite Mark or another lawyer to the site and check you specific case and/or questions. You have two years to apply and find out. Even if your case looks difficult, that is what lawyers are for, we can get you the contact but right now, it is time to work this out. Please, I have questions like everybody, I am putting them on hold until Obama autographs the deal.

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DREAM Act is introduced in the Senate, today, THURSDAY, March 26, by Senators Durbin and Lugar -FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Mark Silverman, attorney with ILRC, – mark@ilrc.org - available for interviews today, this evening and tomorrow

even better contacts: see the attached list. Those who are connected to a university are likely to be students - some citizens and some DREAM Act students.

Senators Durbin and Lugar introduced the DREAM Act today. "We commend Senators Durbin and Lugar for introducing the DREAM Act - that is good for these young people as well as for all Americans," stated Mark Silverman, Director of Immigration Policy at the Immigrant Legal Resource Center. Immediately below is background information on the DREAM Act.



DREAM Act
(based on prior Senate proposal in 2007))


Who is eligible?

Those who would qualify under this act include undocumented immigrants who meet ALL of the following criteria:
§ Graduated from a United States high school by the time they apply for relief.
§ Must have lived continuously in the United States for a minimum of 5 years, on the date of the DREAM Act enactment.
§ Entered the U.S. before the age of 16.
§ Under 30 years of age
§ Can demonstrate good moral character and do not have a criminal record.
§ Attended a college or university for two years, or served in the U, S, military for two years either before or after enactment of DREAM Act.

What are the benefits for those who qualify?

§ Lawful permanent resident status (a green card)
§ Access to federal financial aid
§ States will be permitted to allow eligible students to obtain resident tuition status

Why is this necessary?

The DREAM Act would address the immigration status and educational barriers confronted by U.S.-raised children of undocumented immigrants. (These statistics are from 2007 version of this information.)
§ Currently, there are 2.7 million immigrant children in U.S. schools grade K-12 and of those 1 million are undocumented immigrants.
§ Every year 50-65,000 students graduate from American high schools, but face limited prospects for continuing their education because they were originally brought to the United States by parents lacking immigration status. Among these students are valedictorians, honors students and student leaders.
§ Many students are prevented from attending college because they cannot afford out-of-state tuition and do not qualify for Pell grants or student loans. In addition, without a lawful permanent resident “green card” students are not eligible for many scholarships, in-state tuition, federal loans, or grants.

Hey, I am sorry, but I am going to bump this thread for a couple of days. It is really not reason for this to be a conversation piece but I want the press release to be in hand, in case someone needs it.

Thanks for your patience.