Columbia Standard

U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin recently engaged in discussions with the American Business Immigration Coalition (ABIC) in Washington, focusing on critical topics related to immigration and workforce issues. The talks addressed labor shortages attributed to the Trump Administration's deportation policies and considered pathways for Dreamers to obtain citizenship.

Durbin emphasized the impact of recent immigration policies, stating, "In just the first few weeks of the Trump Administration, they have unleashed havoc and fear on our immigrant communities. What the Trump Administration fails to recognize is that immigrants helped build our nation and contribute greatly to our society and the economy." He reiterated his support for immigrant communities and the importance of finding a permanent legislative solution for Dreamers. Durbin expressed his intention to reintroduce the Dream Act on a bipartisan basis in the current Congress, as he has done in previous sessions.

Dick Durbin has long advocated for immigration reform. In 2010, he spearheaded a bipartisan initiative urging then-President Obama to halt the deportation of Dreamers, resulting in the establishment of DACA. This program has enabled over 830,000 Dreamers to remain in the United States, contributing to various professions, including education, healthcare, engineering, and entrepreneurship.

Durbin has actively worked to protect DACA from opposition and continues to champion his Dream Act, aiming to create a citizenship pathway for Dreamers and DACA recipients. This legislative proposal was part of the comprehensive immigration reform bill in 2013, which was coauthored by the "Gang of Eight," consisting of four Democrats and four Republicans. Although the bill passed the Senate with bipartisan support, it did not advance in the House of Representatives.

Historical efforts to pass the Dream Act have consistently faced obstacles, with Senate Republicans filibustering the legislation on multiple occasions.