Tuesday, November 23, 2010

University Students go on Hunger Strike, Urge Passage of the DREAM Act

Austin- As most Texans prepare for the upcoming Thanksgiving holiday, eight undocumented University of Texas students and allies will participate in a statewide hunger strike to urge passage of the DREAM Act.  The Texas students will go without food until Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison commits to support the DREAM Act which is expected to come to a vote in the near future.

Who: University of Texas Students and Allies
When: Monday, November 22, 2010 at 11:30 AM- Indefinite 
Where:  Austin 

Edilsa Lopez, a UT student who will participate in the hunger strike said, "Some people say this move is drastic, but they don't understand our desperation.  For all the students who have been separated from their families, who can't see their siblings, who live each day in fear, this is for them."

President Obama, Speaker Pelosi and Senate Majority Leader Reid have urged for passage of the DREAM Act during the lame duck session.  Additionally, a national poll found that 70 percent of Americans support the DREAM Act.

"DREAMers have met with the Senator herself and members of her staff on various occasions," said Loren Campos, ULI President and hunger striker. "She refuses to give us an answer one way or the other.  We know that Senator Cornyn is hopeless, but we expect better from Senator Hutchison.  She's always been level headed and usually puts public policy before politics."

Him Ranjit added, "We have done everything we have been asked.  We have stayed out of trouble, we are graduating from prestigious universities, all we want is to give back.  We are running out of time." 


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The University Leadership Initiative (ULI) harnesses the talents, abilities and determination of youth - particularly college students - to affect long-term change in a proactive manner. Specifically, ULI conducts outreach at local, state, and national levels toaddress the dilemma faced by young people who were brought to the United States years ago as undocumented immigrant children, but who have since grow up in the United States, have stayed out of trouble, and wish to continue their education on to college.
 
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