WASHINGTON, DC - Today Congress adjourned for the holidays without taking action to find a permanent legislative solution for our nation’s Dreamers.
NEA President Lily Eskelsen García issued the following statement:
“Members of Congress merrily left to enjoy the holidays without taking action to protect Dreamers, only heightening immeasurable uncertainty for the Dreamers themselves, their families, our students, our economy, and communities across our country. This issue actually has bipartisan support, and not acting on it is beyond disappointing—it is immoral and unjust. It is cruel. It is wrong.
“Since the Trump administration’s heartless decision to rescind the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program (DACA), the consequences of inaction have hurt real people. To date, more than 13,000 children and young adults have already lost their status and more than 100 DACA recipients continue to lose protected status with each passing day. As Congress chooses to do nothing, the lives and livelihoods of Dreamers are threatened – including those of the more than 20,000 DACA recipient educators in our classrooms. When DACA educators lose protected status, they lose their work permits, meaning they will no longer be able to teach our students.
“We urge Congressional leaders to reach across the aisle to find a permanent solution for our Dreamers.
“We are not going away. Congress must put aside any partisan differences and make passage of the Dream Act a true priority when it returns in January. This is what the American people demand and expect from their political leaders. It’s time for Congress to deliver to our educators, our students, and our communities.”
