Summit at Ramona High School focuses on ‘Clean’ Dream Act discussion

About 40 undocumented high school students, parents, and educators attended an educational summit at Ramona High School on February 24 to discuss ongoing federal legislative proposals that intend to help immigrant youth.

 Despite the U.S. Supreme Court’s latest decision to not discuss lawsuits pertaining to the elimination of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program, immigration advocates are continuing to encourage the community to promote a “Clean” Dream Act bill.

 “This will be a solution for all undocumented youth, including those who are now excluded from applying for DACA,” said Saira Murillo, chairwoman of the Inland Empire Immigrant Youth Collective.

 People in attendance discussed storytelling methods, strategy and policy, parent engagement, and on-campus organizing with immigration advocates. Advocates also discussed the history of the Dream Act, which touched on legislative efforts that date back to 2001.

 When advocates say “Clean” Dream Act, they are referring to a policy change that will not affect their parents and families, explained Inland Coalition for Immigrant Justice representative Luis Suarez.

 Ramona High School junior Wendy said she was pleased with the turnout and involvement from parents.

 “I know we can do it,” she said. “It’s going to take a lot of efforts from everyone, but we will pass something that will benefit immigrants regardless of age.”

 The Inland Empire Clean Dream Act Council, which consists of the Inland Empire Immigrant Youth Collective, the Inland Coalition for Immigrant Justice, Mi Familia Vota, the American Civil Liberties Union of Southern California, PODER at UC Riverside, Cal State San Bernardino Undocumented Advocates, Raices de Justicia, SEIU 2015, and the Ramona and Norte Vista High School Dreamers, helped organize the day long event.