Durbin's statement on DACA and the Dream Act

WASHINGTON—U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), ranking member of the Judiciary Subcommittee on Immigration, released the following statement:

In my first conversation with President Trump on Inauguration Day, I thanked him for the positive things he had said about the Dreamers. He looked me in the eye and said: “Don't worry. We are going to take care of those kids.”

Despite many of the terrible immigration policies this Administration has put forward, I have always held out the hope that President Trump would keep his word and "take care" of the Dreamers. After all, the President told America, “we love the Dreamers.”

But today’s announcement from Attorney General Sessions was cold, harsh, threatening, and showed little respect, let alone love, for these Dreamers.

Starting this countdown clock will require Congress to act fast to stop rolling mass deportations of hundreds of thousands of young people—students, teachers, doctors, engineers, first responders, servicemembers, and more. Families will be torn apart and America will lose many of our best and brightest unless Republicans join with Democrats to right this wrong immediately. I first introduced the Dream Act sixteen years ago to ensure these young people could stay here, in the only country they’ve ever known. Now Congress must act on this bipartisan bill, and act now. These families cannot wait.

More like this:

Illinois Leaders Reflect On 14th Anniversary Of DACA

Jun 16, 2026

Senate Republicans Block Durbin Amendment to Shield DACA Recipients During ICE Funding Vote

Jun 5, 2026

Durbin Statement On Trump’s Decision To Slash Boundaries Of Bears Ears & Grand Staircase Escalante National Monuments

2 days ago

Durbin Remembers Senator Lindsey Graham On The Senate Floor

2 days ago

Durbin Announces Tereza Lee, His Inspiration For The Dream Act, As His State Of The Union Guest

Feb 23, 2026