It was the moment that many activists were hoping and praying for—the DREAM Act was up for another vote in the United States Congress. But once again, it failed to move forward. Supporters of the bill have vowed to keep fighting and now say they want to see the bill brought back to the Senate as a stand-alone piece of legislation.
Despite the DREAM Act’s failure in the Senate, it’s an undeniable reality that there are countless undocumented young people living among us. Without a clear path to citizenship, many of these students are putting themselves at the forefront of the debate and arguing for full inclusion in American society.

Listen as Maria Hinojosa speaks with William Perez, a researcher and professor at Claremont Graduate University who has extensively studied young undcoumented students. Plus, hear from one of those students: Sonia Guinansaca, an activist-student at Hunter College who says, despite her immigration status, she’s an American at heart.

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Not everyone was on board with the current incarnation of the DREAM Act, though. Even one person who previously supported the legislation.

Raúl Al-qaraz Ochoa was arrested at a sit-in at Senator John McCain’s Tucson office, where a group of students was demonstrating in favor of the bill. But now, he says the way the DREAM Act has been turned into a political and military tool means he can no longer support it. Read his open letter to the DREAM movement.