Support Youth Who Are Contributing to Our Communities

The DREAM Act, offered by Senator Richard Durbin (D-IL), encourages immigrant students to seek higher education, assimilate into our societies, and apply their skills working in the American economy.

The DREAM Act has long enjoyed broad bipartisan support in the House and Senate. This bill allows students who enter the U.S. before the age of 18 and who graduate from high school to obtain legal status and pursue higher education. These students may eventually adjust to Legal Permanent Status. This bill, S.2075 in the 109th Congress, was incorporated into the STRIVE Act of 2007 in the House and the 2007 comprehensive immigration reform bill in the Senate.

While the federal Trafficking Victims Protection Act offers important protections, it is only effective when federal law enforcement identifies a victim. Local service providers and local law enforcement are the eyes and ears in the community. In 2006, the Illinois State Legislature enacted anti-trafficking legislation (HB 1469) empowering local police to respond to potential trafficking situations and expanding access to social services for survivors in Illinois. With the legislation, Illinois became a model for other states working to combat human trafficking in their local communities.

HB 1469 Illinois Trafficking Legislation

National Immigrant Justice Center testimony on anti-trafficking measures before Cook County Women's Board (October 2006)

National Immigrant Justice Center testimony on HB 1469 (May 2005)

Trafficking Victims Protection Act

The U.S. Congress recognized in 2000 that a human rights atrocity was occurring in America and passed the Trafficking Victims Protection Act. Under this federal law, victims of trafficking are guaranteed access to emergency health care, translation services, consultation with legal service providers and access to appropriate housing.

Trafficking Victims Protection Act of 2000

Trafficking Victims Protection Act Reauthorization of 2003

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services "Look Beneath the Surface" Campaign

Violence Against Women Act (VAWA)

The Violence Against Women Act of 2005 increased protections and benefits for victims of trafficking in the United States, including the ability to reunite with family members, expanded access to T visas, and work authorization provisions.

ASISTA memo on trafficking provisions in VAWA 2005

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) significantly increased immigration application fees on Monday, June 30, 2007. These higher fees make citizenship cost-prohibitive for thousands of longtime lawful permanent residents who are already contributing to our communities and want to fully integrate into U.S. society.