U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin, who serves as Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, met with members of the American Business Immigration Coalition (ABIC) and business leaders to discuss immigration issues. The meeting focused on the Dream Act, the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program, and how recent federal policies have affected essential workers and the economy.
During the discussion, Durbin highlighted the contributions of immigrants to American society. “Immigrants helped build our nation, and they contribute to our society and economy. They’re business owners, teachers, officers, and community leaders. I’ve fought for immigrants—especially Dreamers—for decades, and it’s more important than ever before that we support immigrant communities. I’m hopeful to reintroduce the Dream Act on a bipartisan basis this Congress, and I will continue fighting to protect DACA from unprecedented attacks. And I will always remain grateful to the tenacity and strength of our immigrant communities, especially in Chicago,” said Durbin.
Durbin has been active in advocating for immigration reform for several years. In 2010, he joined a bipartisan effort urging then-President Obama to halt deportations of Dreamers. This led to President Obama announcing DACA in 2012—a program that has allowed over 830,000 individuals brought to the U.S. as children to live and work without fear of deportation.
The Dream Act remains a key legislative priority for Durbin as he continues efforts toward its passage in Congress. The act aims to provide a path to citizenship for Dreamers and DACA recipients. It was previously included in a comprehensive immigration reform bill passed by the Senate in 2013 with bipartisan support but was not considered by House leadership at that time.
Senate Republicans have blocked or filibustered attempts to pass the Dream Act at least five times since its introduction.
Photos from Durbin’s meeting with ABIC are available online.
