Rangel Urges Action on DREAM ACT

Washington, DC - Congressman Charles B. Rangel, who represents the 13th Congressional District of New York that includes Upper Manhattan and parts of the Bronx, released the following statement commemorating the 5th Anniversary of House of Representatives passing the Dream Act on December 8, 2010:

"Five years ago, we made a breakthrough in the House when we passed the DREAM Act (Development, Relief and Education for Alien Minors), which would grant legal status to thousands of undocumented students who came to the U.S. as children. Since 2001, House Democrats tried to pass the DREAM Act with a bipartisan vote, but Senate Republicans have blocked its final passage. I urge my Democratic Colleagues to continue to fight for this fair legislation that would allow some of the best and brightest students to contribute to our nation.

I applaud President Barack Obama for taking Executive Actions on Immigration, a program that in a few short years has dramatically reframed the immigration debate but that is only a temporary resolution. As one of the earliest co-sponsors of the DREAM Act, I am proud to represent so many immigrants living in New York City, where the Statue of Liberty continues to be a marker of opportunity, freedom, and democracy. Let us keep striving to uphold our American values by opening doors for those who came to our country in search of a better future."

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Rangel has been a leading advocate for immigration reform. He is one of the original co-sponsors of H.R. 15, Comprehensive Immigration Reform Act, which was introduced in 2013. In October 2013, Rangel was arrested by the Park Police for participating in a rally on the National Mall and in front of the U.S. Capitol to urge Congress to pass a comprehensive immigration bill that includes a pathway to citizenship for some 11 million people who are already making contributions to our country. Rangel is one of the longest serving advocates in the fight for immigration reform in Congress.