Login to Change.org
Use Facebook to connect with friends and mobilize your social network.
Create an Account
We are thrilled to announce that Lawrence S. Bacow, President of Tufts University, has formally supported the DREAM Act in the form of a letter to Massachusetts Senators Kerry and Brown. Below is an excerpt from President Bacow's letter:
"As an higher educational institution that values its international focus and prepares students for a life of active citizenship, Tufts University supports the DREAM Act’s goals of diversity and increased access to higher education. Undocumented immigrant students who would be the major beneficiaries of the DREAM Act have shown their commitment as active citizens There are countless testimonials of undocumented students who excel in school, volunteer in their community, and qualify for a scholarship only to discover the limitations of prospects during their senior year of high school. The result is psychologically and emotionally devastating for over 65,000 students every year.
The DREAM Act would grant undocumented immigrants a six-year grace period during which they could pursue a college degree or military service. They would be eligible for student loans and work study, alleviating much of the financial burden. Afterwards, they would be granted a legal permanent residency allowing them to pursue citizenship in the United States.. Education is a long-term investment and a powerful weapon in the battle against poverty and ignorance. Let us alleviate the burden imposed under the current law by making higher education accessible to the undocumented immigrants who take great pride in calling this country their home."
President Bacow's support of this legislation brings us one step in the fight to make the DREAM Act law. Sign the petition to thank President Bacow for his support.
Thank you for Supporting the DREAM Act
Dear President Bacow,
Thank you for your support of the DREAM Act. In addition to recognizing the goals of active citizenship and an international focus at Tufts University, you have brought us one step closer to making the DREAM Act law.
Hearing the stories of undocumented students is revealing: through their solemn, honest words, we hear the mental and emotional damage that comes with the realization of a limited future. They excel in school, contribute to their community, volunteer, create diversity in their communities, but they ultimately feel abandoned by their country when they reach senior year.
As you stated in your letter, "education is a long-term investment and a powerful weapon in the battle against poverty and ignorance." Realizing the dreams of thousands of undocumented students will benefit our communities and our country. As the leader of an exceptional university, your support for increasing access to higher education is invaluable to us.
Thank you.
[Your name]