Make the Dream Act a Reality

I am pleased to turn over this space to my colleague Provost Ocampo who spoke so eloquently yesterday on Capitol Hill at a news conference for the reintroduction of the Dream Act:

Remarks by Trinity Provost Dr. Carlota Ocampo
News Conference with Senators Richard Durbin and Alex Padilla
Introduction of the Dream Act 2025, December 4, 2025

Thanks to Senator Durbin, Senator Murkowski, the TheDream.US, and all present for the opportunity to speak on behalf of Trinity Washington University students, neighbors and friends who, while not born in the US, as childhood arrivals were raised and shaped here. These young people are American in every meaningful sense but for the immigration labyrinth that excludes them from a fair and just pathway to citizenship.

Trinity is proud to stand as a TheDream.US partner to prepare students who might not otherwise have access to higher education so that they may contribute needed skills to society and the economy. After high school, these students do not have access to federal aid or even the ability to apply to schools in some jurisdictions. The current administration’s attacks on state’s rights to extend in-state tuition to immigrants who have completed high school, such as in California, Texas, and other states, means that even more young people will be denied the opportunity to develop their talents and ultimately fully contribute to building a strong and thriving America. These are our future doctors and nurses, teachers and social workers, and – if the past is predictive – technology and science innovators who make America first in the world for advancing knowledge. Among Trinity’s own recent graduates – many of whom achieve Phi Beta Kappa and other honors – are health care providers, science researchers, environmentalists, public health experts, and policy-makers who are literally changing state law to boost the health-care workforce. Dream Act legislation means that tens of thousands more currently excluded immigrant students will be able to likewise achieve the promise of their potential.

Trinity joins the President’s Alliance on Higher Education and Immigration, also a close partner with the TheDream.US, in supporting this bill. And the fact is, many Americans believe a pathway to citizenship for childhood arrivals already exists. As I read of the horrific deportation of Annie Lucia Lopez Belloza, a college student traveling home to spend the holidays with her family as so many do, I see comments like: “why didn’t she just fill out the paperwork and become a citizen?” Americans do not know that this pathway does not currently exist. It is beyond time for the Dream Act so that this pathway can become a reality.

Trinity stands with our partners in support of this legislation. Passing the Dream Act is not only right and just for Dreamers, but by removing barriers and strengthening educational pathways to much needed careers, it is the right direction for colleges and for the country as a whole.

Thank you again to the sponsors of this essential bill, to the TheDream.US, and to our partners for the opportunity to speak in support of access to higher education for all young people in America.

Here’s a clip of Provost Ocampo’s speech:

Full press conference video here: