Dick Durbin: “the young people I have described are known as DREAMers. They were brought to the United States as children. They grew…”

“the young people I have described are known as DREAMers. They were brought to the United States as children. They grew up in this country, and they have overcome great obstacles to continue to live here. They are the future doctors, engineers, teachers, and soldiers who will make America stronger. Now, in the last 2 years, as I mentioned, more than 600,000 DREAMers have received DACA--this Executive order by President Obama which allows them to stay as long as they are registered, pay their fee, and not be deported. What has happened to these young people now that they have their chance, they have gone to school? I met 10 of them who are now at Loyola's school of medicine. They are extraordinary students. They were the best of the best. They did not have a chance because they did not have that document that gave them an opportunity to enroll. Well, they are going to school now, and they have pledged to continue to serve this country as doctors, given that chance, in some of the poorest communities in my State and our Nation. In past speeches I have given on this floor--over 50 of them--I have highlighted the contributions that many DACA recipients already make to our country. They are working as engineers, small business owners, and public school teachers. The Center for American Progress and the Partnership for a New American Economy has found that giving legal status to DREAMers will add $329 billion to our economy and create 1.4 million new jobs by 2030.…”