Nevada prides itself on our rich diversity. We draw our strength from the people who proudly call Nevada home, with each person’s unique history, culture and contributions driving us forward to social and economic progress. Unfortunately, our broken immigration system has caused many of our fellow Nevadans to live in constant fear — fear of their families being torn apart, of losing their livelihoods at any moment, and of being forced out of their homes into countries they barely know.
For Nevada Dreamers, young immigrants who were brought to the United States as children, this is a fear they’ve known since learning they’re undocumented, many at the time they’re applying for college or getting their driver’s license. Our broken immigration system is not only hindering these young Nevadans from pursuing their dreams as full-fledged Americans, but also preventing our state from realizing its full potential.
Right now, 13,000 Dreamers in Nevada are fighting for their future to stay in the only place they’ve called home. The establishment of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program has transformed the lives of Dreamers, but it still doesn’t offer a pathway to citizenship. It’s time we finally revive the Development, Relief and Education for Alien Minors (DREAM) Act and acknowledge they are worth fighting for as integral members of our community and workforce. Just in the past year, half of Dreamers in the U.S. served as frontline workers who risked their lives to save others and keep our country going.
Without Dreamers, Nevada could lose more than $600 million annually in gross domestic product. Dreamers are also small-business owners who spur our economy and create new jobs. They pay taxes and contribute to Social Security and Medicare, just like everyone else. Most importantly, they are our neighbors, family, friends and coworkers who make our lives better each day.
Despite having legal protections to work or avoid deportation under the DACA program, Dreamers still face risks of their lives being upended at any moment with a court decision or an executive action. Nevada Dreamers deserve stability, a life without fear and our unwavering support.
Thanks to the steadfast work and cosponsorship of the DREAM Act by Nevada Sens. Catherine Cortez Masto and Jacky Rosen, Dreamers in Nevada continue to have a voice in Congress. And as bipartisan support grows, we have a unique opportunity right now to act through legislative action and permanently protect our Dreamers. In March, the House of Representatives passed its version of the DREAM Act, the American Dream and Promise Act, which would give Dreamers a pathway to citizenship. The Senate is close to getting the votes it needs to overcome procedural hurdles in order to finally make the DREAM Act a reality.
We need renewed commitment to do what is right on behalf of Dreamers. A majority of voters support these efforts, as does the majority in Congress as well as the Biden administration. As a result, we have what could be a rare opportunity to pass the DREAM Act. Let’s not miss this moment to finally embrace Dreamers as fellow Americans.
There is no better way to celebrate the diversity of Nevada and this country than to continue fighting for Dreamers who make our lives and our economy better. Home means Nevada already to so many who more than deserve the permanent right to say so.Let’s do the right thing now.
Peter Guzman is president of the Latin Chamber of Commerce.