Dear Friends of Chicago Scholars,
Let’s imagine together…a young, bright, intelligent student who is diligently working hard to achieve the American dream. This talented student is making great strides in hopes of being the first in their family to attend college. They are academically ambitious and getting good grades; and often times they are leaders of clubs and organizations within their schools. Now, instead of just thinking about finding ways to pay for college, you face the risk of being deported to a country that you have never known as home. Because of the new legislative action to eliminate the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA), this is a new reality that hundreds of our students are currently facing. DACA is scheduled to end in six months and there are almost 800,000 Dreamers that will be affected. DACA is an American immigration policy that allows certain undocumented immigrants who entered the country before their 16th birthday and before June 2007 to receive a renewable two-year work permit and exemption from deportation.
The Chicago Scholars’ Dreamers have made tremendous contributions to the fabric and culture of Chicago, their respective communities, and college campuses. These Scholars embody the essence of what makes America great. They share the promise of what the American dream means and they are the face of what leadership will be in the future. Our hope is that Congress and the President will enact new legislation to support the hopes, dreams, and future of these young people that include our Scholars. While we cannot predict what will happen legislatively, we hope that you will stand with us to continue supporting the talented youth of Chicago.
Thank you for all that you do as a partner.
Moving forward together,
