DREAMers Meet With Sen. Hutchison

"Hunger Strikes in Texas will escalate as a result of Senator Hutchison's refusal to commit.  Young students in Brownsville, Dallas, Austin, San Antonio and other states will join the hunger strike movement." 
 

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On behalf of University Leadership Initiative

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: William Wise
210-232-5893

Undocumented youth from Texas met with Senator Hutchison in Washington, DC to bring a message from San Antonio hunger strike participants, who have been refusing solid food for over a week as they urge Hutchison's support for the DREAM Act.

Two Texas undocumented youth and graduates of Texas universities, Jose Torres-Don and Alicia Torres-Don, met with the Senator on Wednesday, November 17th and pleaded with her to support the DREAM Act. 

Senator Hutchison has refused to make a statement of support for the DREAM Act, citing her interest in a visa process instead of a conditional residency for DREAM-eligible youth. 

"The DREAM Act has been in existence, in one form or another, for nearly a decade. At this point, citing procedure and proposing less than fully-formed alternatives is unacceptable.  We have lobbied Senator Hutchison for years, she knows our circumstances, and we will not be used as a political football," states Jose Torres-Don.

Pamela Resendiz, a DREAM-eligible youth on hunger strike in San Antonio, echoed that disappointment, "We are taking physical risks to draw attention to the plight of thousands. Our lives have always been at stake, and we are willing to do whatever it takes to show Senator Hutchison that we will not give up until we have her very crucial support."

 "Seventy percent of Americans support the DREAM Act," added Loren Campos, DREAM-eligible youth who will participate in the hunger strike in Austin.  "Amongst Latinos, who played a decisive role in key races across our country, that support is even higher.  If Senator Hutchison wants a future in politics, she can't ignore the Latino population in her state."

"We know Senator Hutchison believes in common-sense solutions, which is why we are confident that she will support the DREAM Act: legislation based on hard work, education, and service," stated Lucina Martinez.

Hunger Strikes in Texas will escalate as a result of Senator Hutchison's refusal to commit.  Young students in Brownsville, Dallas, Austin, San Antonio and other states will join the hunger strike movement.

Jose Torres-Don is available for comment. 512-744-8804