America's Voice Blog

Posted 07/27/10 at 04:00pm

DREAM Students Stir Things Up in Washington

Hundreds of courageous student activists from across the country descended upon Washington last week to raise awareness and fight for the DREAM Act.

Sporting caps and gowns, the students staged a mock graduation with speeches from student leaders, Senator Dick Durbin, and our very own Frank Sharry.  The scene was electric, as students spontaneously burst into chants and proclaimed themselves “undocumented and unafraid!”

Students gave touching speeches about their experiences in America, about how hard they’ve worked in school and strived to support their families. Erika Andiola recalled how Arizona’s Prop 300 had taken away $50,000 of her aid for school, but she didn’t allow it to break her spirit. She applied to private scholarships and eventually graduated from Arizona State University with honors.

Senator Dick Durbin spoke about a young Korean immigrant who inspired him to write the original bill, and finished his speech to a standing ovation and “Durbin, Durbin” chants. Rep. Jared Polis voiced his support for DREAM, telling the students that he viewed them as Americans and apologized that the law had yet to acknowledge their place in the only country they call home. “Just by being here, through your advocacy work, through the courage that you have in taking some risks to engage with us today, you are showing that you already are Americans and we should be proud to formalize that status,” Rep. Polis said. He later gave a speech on the House floor in favor of DREAM. Frank Sharry gave a rabble-rouser, proclaiming at the start of his remarks, “I am no longer a leader; I am a follower. You are the leaders, and I pledge allegiance to you all!”

The students maintained the exciting atmosphere throughout before heading off to the Congressional office buildings to take their case directly to their representatives. Many students participated in acts of civil disobedience and many were even arrested.

People in support of DREAM and the students activists were worried that the acts of civil disobedience might backfire, upsetting Congressmen rather than garnering their support. Whether or not you support their tactics, the very next day Harry Reid was talking about passing DREAM Act.

After witnessing the energy and strong convictions of these activists, it’s not hard to see why 70% of Americans are in favor of the DREAM Act. As one of the speakers, Jose Torres, remarked, “Like so many undocumented youth, I’ve been raised on American values and know to stand up against injustice.”  Congress could take a lesson.

Guest Blogger Will Sharry

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