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Diaz-Balarts, Ros-Lehtinen Meet with Trail of Dream Walkers in U.S. Capitol

April 29, 2010
Urge President Obama to Back Comprehensive Immigration Reform, DREAM Act

WASHINGTON, DC-Today Congressmen Mario Diaz-Balart, Ileana Ros-Lehtinen and Lincoln Diaz-Balart met with Felipe Matos, Gaby Pacheco, Carlos Roa, and Juan Rodriguez, also known as the Dreamers, upon their arrival in Washington, DC. The four immigrant activists embarked on a 1,500-mile walk from Miami, FL to the nation’s Capitol on January 1st to ask President Obama and Congress to pass comprehensive immigration reform and the DREAM Act.

“Gaby, Felipe, Carlos and Juan represent thousands of young adults who were raised in our communities and call America home. They simply wish to pursue the American dream and have the opportunity to study, work hard and give back to this country. Their courage to tell their story, and their activism and commitment to creating awareness about the importance of immigration reform and the DREAM Act is immeasurable. America is a nation built by immigrants and our doors have always been open to those wishing to work hard and prosper. I urge President Obama to meet with these brave activists, hear their story, and come through with his promise of achieving comprehensive immigration reform.” –Rep. Mario Diaz-Balart

“Many teenagers in our country are faced with the difficult possibility of having no chance of pursuing a college education after they graduate from high school based on decisions their parents took to get them to the US. This crushes the dreams of young men and women who call this country their home.

The Dream Act would give these students the ability to study, work hard and achieve the American Dream. It also gives them the option of joining our Armed Forces. Gaby, Juan, Felipe and Carlos represent the hopes and aspirations that the Dream Act will make a reality.” –Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen

“These young DREAMERS are helping to raise awareness on this critical legislative initiative so that innocent students aren’t subject to punishment for a decision that was not their own. It’s critically important for Congress to pass The DREAM Act, of which I am a proud co-author, as well as comprehensive immigration reform, so we can fix the United States’ broken immigration system these great students go through.” –Rep. Lincoln Diaz-Balart

Rep. Lincoln Diaz-Balart is an author of the American DREAM Act, which seeks to facilitate access to postsecondary educational opportunities for immigrant students in the U.S. who currently face barriers in pursuing a college education. Reps. Mario Diaz-Balart and Ros-Lehtinen are original co-sponsors of the legislation. All three Members of Congress continue to work towards achieving comprehensive immigration reform, and passage of the DREAM Act. For more information on the Trail of Dreams and Felipe, Gaby, Carlos and Juan, please visit: www.trail2010.org.