Undocumented youth and allies urged lawmakers to not vote on any spending bill unless Clean Dream Act was brought to vote before congress
Earlier this week, two buses carrying about 110 immigrant youth and allies departed to the nation’s capital from Florida. They joined thousands of others from across the country in urging Congress not vote to on a spending bill until a Clean Dream Act was brought to a vote.
Participating youth took part in actions throughout the Capitol, occupying Congressional offices and other spaces to demand that lawmakers act to protect them as an ever-increasing number lose their work permits and protection from deportation (122 per day).
Spending bill still passed
Ultimately, a temporary federal spending bill was passed, as some Democrats folded in their promise to shut down the government if these youths did not gain protection through a Dream Act. Congress is expected to revisit the issue in January and the Florida Immigration Coalition will hold accountable those legislators who did not stand with the community this past week, with the full expectation that they do everything in their power to pass a Clean Dream Act then.
The following is a statement from Nancy Paola Simota, an undocumented Florida resident who would qualify for the Dream Act:
“I was giving up hope on ever becoming a citizen of this country, ready to pack my bags and leave until I heard about the Clean Dream Act and how people across the country were united together in fighting for it. I put my body and health on the line while fasting for five days with a cold and causing my blood pressure to drop. I didn’t give up there, instead I got on a bus and spent sleepless hours while traveling to Washington D.C. Once there, I was heartbroken by stories of other youth just like me, but what saddens me the most is how many Democrats like Florida Senator Bill Nelson voted for a spending bill that does not include a Dream Act. I didn’t leave Washington in tears, I left with a smile because I know that we will come back, and we will win. I am an immigrant and I am definitely not ashamed.”
Florida Immigration Coalition
The Florida Immigrant Coalition is a statewide alliance of over 53 member organizations, including farmworkers, students, service providers, grassroots organizations and legal advocates, who come together for the fair treatment of all people.
