The Illinois Senate Latino Caucus joins the outcry of many throughout the nation in urging congress to pass the DREAM Act before the holiday break. Advocates for immigrant rights believe that this may be the last chance for Congress to extend lawful immigration status to those brought to the United States as children.

The Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program that protected young immigrants from deportation was rescinded by the Trump administration in September, putting the futures of hundreds of thousands of people nationwide at stake. More than 40,000 Dreamers reside in Illinois.

The Senate Latino Caucus members released the following statements:

“Without the protections set in place by President Obama, Dreamers are left to face the threat of deportation and being sent to a country they don’t even know. Families are at risk of being torn apart if Congress remains idle. The moment to enact the DREAM Act is now,” said Assistant Majority Leader Tony Munoz (D-Chicago).

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SPRINGFIELD- Illinois recently sent more than 100 Illinois Army National Guard troops to assist in the rebuilding of Puerto Rico in the aftermath of Hurricane Maria, as many on the island continue to live without electricity or clean water.

“I commend our troops who are always ready and willing to lend a hand where needed. I’m grateful that our state can offer support to our fellow citizens in Puerto Rico who desperately need it,” State Senator Tony Munoz (D-Chicago).

Troops were deployed last weekend after Ricardo Rossello, governor of Puerto Rico, requested support as relief efforts struggle to get people basic necessities.

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