Support the IL DREAM Act:

MEChA de UIUC stands with raza, undocumented students, and immigrant rights advocates from across the state of Illinois in support of the IL DREAM ACT.  

Only a Presidential Executive Order or legislation creating a pathway to citizenship can protect undocumented students and their families from unjust deportation, but here is what the IL DREAM Act would provide undocumented youth:

  • Good information. DREAM youths too often get incorrect information from high school counselors and college admissions officers regarding their college options. This bill would encourage these counselors and officers receive regular training regarding educational opportunities for immigrant youths. Having accurate information would give DREAM youths the hope they need to continue their educations and help reduce the rates of high school dropouts.
  • Education Access. Many qualified DREAM students do not have the financial resources to pursue college—and as a result their talents are wasted. An estimated 65% of DREAM youths come from households that earn below 200% of the poverty line. The Illinois DREAM Act would establish a privately-funded Illinois DREAM Fund, administered by a volunteer state commission, to make scholarships available to undocumented students at no cost to taxpayers. The bill would also open up college savings programs and prepaid tuition programs to all Illinois residents, so that the families of DREAM students will be better able to pay for tuition.
  • Driver’s Certificates. To enable DREAM students to get to and from school, the Illinois DREAM Act would enable them to get driver’s certificates. These certificates would have the added benefit of getting these youths tested and insured, reducing the number of uninsured drivers and reducing insurance rates for other drivers.
  • Illinois DREAM Commission. In addition to administering and fundraising for the Illinois DREAM Fund, this commission would monitor implementation of other parts of this law and research the needs of DREAM youths as they make their way through college.

The IL DREAM Act is a substantive step in the right direction, help make it a reality by: