Durbin, Murkowski Introduce The Dream Act

Durbin, Murkowski Introduce The Dream Act

Durbin has introduced the Dream Act every Congress since 2001; today marks his final introduction of the legislation before the end of his congressional career

WASHINGTON - U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, and U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) today introduced the Dream Act of 2025, which would allow noncitizens without lawful status who were brought to the United States as children and meet certain education, military service, or work requirements to earn lawful permanent residence. These young people, known as Dreamers, have lived in America since they were children, built their lives here, and are American in every way except for their immigration status. However, under current law there is often no chance for them to ever become citizens and fulfill their potential.

"I first introduced the Dream Act 24 years ago, and over those years I've met hundreds of amazing young men and women-Dreamers-who are American in every sense of the word except on paper. They are teachers, nurses, doctors, and small business owners throughout our communities and in all 50 states. But because DACA hangs by a thread in the courts, and many are not covered by DACA, they live each day in fear of deportation. It is clear that only Congress can give them the stability they crave and deserve," Durbin said. "This is a matter of simple American fairness and justice. To the Dreamers who have been with me in this fight: I promise to do everything in my power to fight for you and your future every day. And to Senator Murkowski, I want to thank you for your longtime support of Dreamers and your partnership in this important bipartisan effort."

The Dream Act of 2025 would allow these young people to earn lawful permanent residence and eventually American citizenship if they:

• Came to the U.S. as children and are without lawful status;
• Graduate from high school or obtain a GED;
• Pursue higher education, work lawfully for at least three years, or serve in the military;
• Pass security and law enforcement background checks and pay a reasonable application fee;
• Demonstrate proficiency in the English language and a knowledge of United States history; and
• Have not committed a felony or other serious crimes and do not pose a threat to our country.

Beginning in 2001, Durbin introduced the Dream Act to give young immigrants the chance to earn U.S. citizenship. He has introduced the legislation every Congress since. Over the years, Durbin has told the stories of 150 Dreamers on the Senate Floor. In 2012, Durbin worked with then-President Obama to establish the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program to allow these young people to gain temporary status. As of September 2024, roughly 530,000 people had active DACA status.

-30-