Take action now to support the DREAM Act
Congress needs to hear from you about why they should pass the DREAM Act and make a path to citizenship a reality for our students and families. Stand alongside our students and call on our senators to ensure that our undocumented students feel safe in our classrooms and in our country.
What is the DREAM Act?
Since the Trump administration has threatened to repeal DACA and may not defend it in court, we support the passage of the bipartisan DREAM Act. The DREAM Act would give young undocumented immigrants a chance to become lawful permanent residents and eventually apply for citizenship.
The bill was first introduced in 2001 with the help of widespread organizing efforts but has not yet become law. The DREAM Act was reintroduced in July 2017.
Tell Congress why standing with undocumented students matters.
What is DACA?
DACA stands for Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, a program created by executive order under President Obama in 2012. When an individual is granted “deferred action,” it means the Department of Homeland Security has chosen to not deport the individual. Deferred action provides temporary relief from immigration enforcement, and allowed some 700,000 DACA enrollees to work and attend school without threat of imminent deportation. Deferred action is not amnesty or immunity, and does not provide a legal path to citizenship.
How educators are taking action
E4E teachers decided to take on this issue due to the many ways immigration impacts school climate and school safety, and following concerns and questions from their colleagues.
Starting in January 2017, the E4E Teacher Action Team on DACA gathered to learn about the issue and its impact, and called on President Trump and members of Congress to preserve DACA through this open letter. They have advocated for the passage of the BRIDGE Act and are now mobilizing in support of the DREAM Act.
E4E teachers speak out in support
Teacher Jennifer Lopez on what immigration means to her
Teacher Mark Gozonsky on why teachers should care about immigration
Spread the word on social media
Stand up for #DACA students–urge your senator to support the #DREAMAct. #Teachers4DACA
https://e4e.org/take-action/get-involved/support-daca
https://e4e.org/take-action/get-involved/support-daca
Resources for educators and school staff
- Read this memo from Education Counsel that outlines undocumented K-12 students' rights in public schools.
- Access United We Dream's comprehensive educator toolkit to learn about being an undocu-ally in and out of the classroom.
- Read this 2015 Department of Education resource on how to help undocumented students.
- Check out AFT's updated educator toolkit for supporting immigrant and refugee children.
- Use these posters from Teach Dream NYC in your classroom to show your support.
- Use these lesson plans for all grades from Teaching Tolerance, including hte Teach Immigration curriculum.
- Watch this video on best practices for supporting undocumented learners from the Harvard Graduate School of Education.