May 4-6: Free UNM Conference Invites Public Discourse on DREAM Act

From UNM Today:
State and community leaders, as well as students from the state’s high schools and universities, will discuss the Development Relief and Education for Alien Minors Act (DREAM Act) at the DREAM Conference at the University of New Mexico, Tuesday thru Thursday, May 4-6.

On May 4, an information table at UNM’s Student Union Building is the place to start to learn more about the DREAM Conference, which aims to educate the public about the DREAM Act and its effects, while also starting discussions about the issue generally. The event is free to the public.

On Wednesday, May 5, conference events begin with morning workshops, a lunchtime Cinco de Mayo celebration, a forum with state senators, UNM faculty and community leaders speaking and a screening of the documentary “Papers.”

On Thursday, May 6, events are geared toward the UNM campus community -- a second showing of “Papers,” a mock graduation and a Critical Issues Round Table.

If passed, the DREAM Act would provide a path to citizenship for those who came into the country before they turned 16 years old, graduated from high school and then join the military or enroll in a higher education institution.

The controversial legislation has gained support in recent years and was introduced into the Senate in 2009. The College Board, Microsoft, Harvard University and several other universities around the country have embraced and expressed support for the DREAM Act.

Sponsors of the event include College Democrats, as well as Albuquerque Dreamers in Action, College Enrichment and Outreach Programs, El Centro de la Raza, Engaging Latino Communities for Education, Lambda Theta Phi Latino Fraternity, Inc., League of United Latin American Citizens, Mexican Student Association, Movimiento Estudiantíl Chicana/o de Aztlán [MEChA], Project for New Mexico Graduates of Color, Raza Graduate Student Association and Somos Un Pueblo Unido.

For more information contact Andrea Salazar, asal19@unm.edu; or visit the , where you can also register for the FREE event.