Statement on the American Dream and Promise Act

On behalf of The Ohio State University, I express my support of the American Dream and Promise Act (H.R.6). This legislation protects students and young people, including our very own Buckeyes, enrolled in the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program. It is time to provide these young people with a pathway to earn lawful permanent residence and American citizenship in the country they know to be their home.

Since 2012, DACA has allowed our young undocumented immigrants, often known as DREAMERs, the ability to work and study without fear of deportation from the United States. At Ohio State, we are committed to providing support for all students so that they may focus on the pursuit of higher education for the betterment of themselves, their families and society.

More than 100 years ago, my grandparents came to the United States, emigrating from Ireland through Ellis Island. They understood that education was a chance to make a better life for the family. The same wellspring of hope drives this new generation of immigrants to call the Buckeye State home, spark innovation in our classrooms and labs, enlist in the military, run for elected office, or start a small business. These individuals deserve the same opportunity to fully contribute to this great state and nation. They deserve a fair and permanent pathway to citizenship without the fear of deportation. This legislation is their opportunity, and I urge Congress to pass it without further delay.