With days counting down until Congress has to make a decision on the DREAM (Development, Relief, and Education for Alien Minors) Act, DREAMers throughout the country are scrambling for support and funding for the worst case scenario in Washington DC. As a way to provide assistance, State Rep. Theresa Mah, D-Chicago, is supporting and spreading awareness about a fundraiser to help current DACA recipients. “There are about 96,000 young people in Illinois who are waiting on politicians in Washington to make a decision that may change the course of their lives forever,” said Mah. “These hard-working individuals need support now more than ever as the Trump administration continues its attack on them and their families.”

Back of the Yards College Prep. High School’s DREAMers Club hosted a fundraiser for students at the school who are DACA recipients on December 20th at their school. The DREAM Act offers a legal path for residency for those undocumented immigrants who were brought into the United States as minors. If no deal is made on the DREAM Act by December 22, almost one million young immigrants will be at risk of being deported. Proceeds from the fundraiser will go to a scholarship coordinated by the DREAMers Club that provides for graduating undocumented students pursuing higher education. “The DREAM Act provides trust between the government and young people who didn’t make a choice to be here, but want to go through proper channels,” said Mah. “I think it’s important to support any young person who is trying to do anything to better the lives of their families.” Mah represents the 2nd District, which includes the Chicago neighborhoods of McKinley Park, Pilsen, Chinatown, Bridgeport, Brighton Park and Back of the Yards. For more information please contact Rep. Mah’s district office at 872-281-5775 or rep.theresamah@gmail.com.