CHICAGO, IL – Today, U.S. Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL) joined the American Business Immigration Coalition Action (ABIC Action), The Resurrection Project and prominent community and business leaders in construction, healthcare and hospitality in celebrating the bipartisan reintroduction of the Dream Act of 2025. The event brought together voices from across Illinois to discuss the critical economic contributions of Dreamers and the urgent need for legislative action.
During the press conference, speakers emphasized the vital role nearly 2.5 million Dreamers play in strengthening local economies, supporting essential industries and contributing to community growth. The Dream Act of 2025, championed by Senators Durbin and Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), would provide a pathway to lawful permanent residence for noncitizens brought to the United States as children who meet certain education, military service or work requirements.
Carole Segal, Co-Founder, Crate and Barrel, Co-Chair of American Business Immigration Coalition, said:
“DACA allowed them to work legally, they received a social security number and paid taxes. In fact, DACA households contribute over $8 billion in federal, state and local taxes. They hold more than $25 billion in spending power. Their work supports local businesses, housing markets and the broader economy. They are essential workers: nurses, teachers, engineers, small business owners, etc. That’s why today’s aggressive immigration enforcement is so harmful. It doesn’t just hurt DACA recipients, it hurts American citizens that rely on them. It’s time for Congress to act now.”
U.S. Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL), stated:
“Why the Dream Act? It’s the right thing to do. It is justice. We desperately need more workers. Our workforce is not expanding as fast as it must. We need more workers, hardworking immigrant workers included. Dairy farms, orchards, you name it: Immigrants are essential. They are an important part of our future.”
Michael Fassnacht, President of the Chicagoland Region and Chief Growth Officer, Clayco, said:
“Here are three simple but very important truths: First, our business needs immigrants. The workforce shortage simply can not be solved without hardworking talented immigrants. Nearly half of all Fortune 500 companies, 46% to be precise, are founded by immigrants or children of immigrants. Without them at all levels, from entry level to C-suite, we can not build a strong workforce in this country. Two, our economy in public institutions depends on immigrants’ economic contributions. Finally, our economic competitiveness depends on immigrants.”
Eréndira (Ere) Rendón, Vice President of Immigrant Justice, The Resurrection Project said:
“I was 16 years old and in high school when the Dream act was introduced in 2001. That legislation gave me hope, hope that I could go to college, that I could stay in the place where I grew up. It gave me hope that I could not just find a job but that I could build a career and that I could give back to the community that helped raise me. I am now 40 years old, and I am still a Dreamer. Now, because Senator Durbin has stood with us for the past quarter of a century, I, and so so many others like me, have been able to build careers, support our families and help our communities. After all these years, the Dream act is still what gives me hope.”
“Dreamers are law-abiding, tax-paying contributors who are essential to the strength of our economy and communities. Their work generates billions in tax revenue and supports businesses across the country. Removing these essential workers would not only disrupt our workplaces and neighborhoods but also undermine America’s global competitiveness. We urge Congress to seize this opportunity to deliver lasting solutions that secure our workforce and offer stability to our communities,” said Rebecca Shi, CEO of American Business Immigration Coalition.
The Dream Act of 2025 would allow these young people to earn lawful permanent residence and eventually American citizenship if they:
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Came to the U.S. as children and are without lawful status;
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Graduate from high school or obtain a GED;
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Pursue higher education, work lawfully for at least three years, or serve in the military;
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Pass security and law enforcement background checks and pay a reasonable application fee;
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Demonstrate proficiency in the English language and a knowledge of United States history; and
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Have not committed a felony or other serious crimes and do not pose a threat to our country.
For more information or to request interviews with American Business Immigration Coalition CEO Rebecca Shi, please contact abicpress@fgsglobal.com.