August 1, 2011

Mayor Emanuel Attends IL DREAM Act Signing

Highlights the Importance of New Law to Chicago's Students and Families

Mayor's Press Office    312.744.3334

Today, Mayor Rahm Emanuel spoke at the signing of the Illinois DREAM Act, a landmark new law that helps the children of immigrants access higher education. 

“Immigrants are a driving force in our city’s cultural and economic life, and opening the way for all Chicago students to earn an excellent higher education will make our city even stronger," said Mayor Emanuel. “I am proud that families and students across Illinois will now have a better shot at the American Dream — which starts with a great education.”

In July, Mayor Rahm Emanuel announced that Chicago would launch an Office of New Americans, with the long-term goal of making Chicago the most immigrant-friendly city in the world. The Office of New Americans will be dedicated to engaging Chicago’s global immigrant communities through collaboration with community organizations, educational institutions and the private sector.

As part of its mission, the Office of New Americans will support the launch of the Illinois DREAM Act in order to create more opportunities for the children of immigrants to achieve higher education.

The Office of New Americans will also be tasked with establishing a centralized language access policy for the City of Chicago; expanding opportunities for immigrant business owners and entrepreneurs; and promoting U.S. citizenship by working with community organizations and federal agencies that provide immigration and citizenship services.

The Illinois DREAM Act will help the children of immigrants achieve a higher education by:

  • opening state college savings programs and prepaid tuition programs to all residents;
  • creating a privately-funded scholarship program for the children of immigrants; and
  • ensuring that students receive accurate information about educational opportunities.

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