WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), Ranking Member of the Joint Economic Committee, released a video message today on the impact that Dreamers have on the rural economy and why Congress needs to pass the Dream Act now.

 

Click here to watch the video. To watch the message in Spanish, click here.

“As the ranking member on the Joint Economic Committee, I am focused on growing our economy and creating jobs. The Joint Economic Committee released a report on the economic impact of Dreamers, particularly in rural communities. DACA empowered nearly 800,000 young people to work legally, get drivers licenses, go to college, serve in the military and give back to their communities. In rural towns across the country, Dreamers are part of the answer to building sustainable economies. 

“64 percent of DACA recipients in rural areas got their first job after being approved for the program. That includes a young woman I’ve met from southern New Mexico who is studying to become a nurse. DACA allowed her to get her first job, support her family, and pay for school. And 5 percent of DACA recipients in rural areas have started businesses in their communities after getting DACA status. That is job creation that our communities need.”

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For more information, please contact Latoya Veal at Latoya_Veal@jec.senate.gov or 202-224-0379.