A Letter in Support of the DREAM Act, December 14, 2010

December 14, 2010

The Honorable John Kerry
United States Senate
218 Russell Bldg.
Washington, DC 20510

The Honorable Scott Brown
United States Senate
218 Russell Bldg.
Washington, DC 20510

Dear Senator Kerry and Senator Brown:

I understand that the Senate is about to consider the Development, Relief, and Education for Alien Minors or DREAM Act. Along with my fellow Massachusetts college and university presidents, I write to urge your support for this critical measure that will assist thousands of students in Massachusetts and across the country to reach their full potential and contribute to their home communities.

I am deeply committed to access and believe that education and service are the pathways to better neighbors, stronger communities, and economic growth, as well as personal satisfaction and happiness. The DREAM Act would provide an opportunity for promising students, who through no fault of their own arrived in the United States without legal status as minors and yet are working hard and achieving in our schools and communities, and grant them the temporary legal status that would allow them to pursue a post-secondary education or serve in the military.

There is no doubt that with or without the DREAM Act, these young people will be living, studying, and working to get by in our communities. The DREAM Act will offer them and us the potential of harnessing their full talents on behalf of all of us.

Sincerely yours,

Carol T. Christ
President
Smith College