LVL Letter to Congressman Baca Supporting H.R.2681, the PROUD Act

The Honorable Joe Baca
U.S. House of Representatives
2245 Rayburn House Office Building
Washington, D.C.  20515-0542

Dear Congressman Baca:

On behalf of the Latino Voters League (LVL), a nonpartisan 501(C)4 organization dedicated to organizing and mobilizing Latino voters around progressive issues, I am pleased to support H.R.2681, the People Resolved to Obtain an Understanding of Democracy (PROUD) Act.

The PROUD Act provides a path to legalization for young students who were brought to this country at an early age. PROUD Act applicants must have graduated high school and demonstrated at least six years of good moral character. By offering students a path to citizenship upon completion of high school, the PROUD Act allows students to attain
legal status prior to applying to college. This allows low-income students to receive financial assistance on the path to attaining higher education.

The PROUD Act is unique in that the young people who would benefit from its passage had no say in the decision to come to this country, and current law provides no mechanism for them to adjust to legal status. Nonetheless, these individuals have grown up in this country as Americans. They include high school valedictorians, honors students, class presidents, and student athletes. They also include future teachers, nurses, engineers, and community leaders.

The status quo currently has no answer for these displaced students who wish to have a better education. Without legal status, their doors are immediately closed, despite having lived the majority of their life in the United States, learned English, volunteered in their communities, and successfully graduated from high school.

This is an issue of moral and economic significance. PROUD Act eligible students will contribute to our national economy and help our country to remain competitive in the global market. If we do not do something for these bright students now, however, we risk dooming a
future generation of young highly motivated individuals. We urge Congress to support the passage of the PROUD Act.

Sincerely,

Antonio Gonzalez
Coordinator
Latino Voters League“

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