U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin Announces New Dream Act Legislation at Dominican University’s Chicago Campus

Dominican University welcomed U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin to its Chicago Campus in Pilsen last week to announce the introduction of new legislation aimed at providing immigrants with a pathway to citizenship. 

Dominican students and staff, as well as representatives from The Resurrection Project and other immigration advocates, joined the senator for the Dec. 5 announcement of the bipartisan Dream Act of 2025.

The proposed bill, which was introduced by Durbin and Sen. Lisa Murkowski of Alaska, would allow Dreamers—noncitizens without lawful status who were brought to the United States as children—to earn lawful permanent residence by meeting certain education, military service or work requirements. 

Durbin first introduced the Dream Act in 2001 to give young undocumented immigrants the chance to earn U.S. citizenship. Through the years, DU students have joined Durbin on Capitol Hill to speak of their personal journeys and to urge lawmakers to pass immigration reform that will give Dreamers a pathway to citizenship. 

As a Catholic university that believes in extending educational access to all, regardless of immigration status, Dominican University has welcomed a growing number of undocumented students and established effectual support systems to ensure their academic success. 

"For 125 years, rooted in our Catholic Sinsinawa Dominican tradition, Dominican University has served the children of immigrants,” said Dr. Glena G. Temple in remarks shared at the Chicago Campus. “Now more than ever, we continue to stand firm in this mission as we accompany Dreamers from across the nation in their pursuit of education and vocation. Their success not only enriches our community and strengthens our campus environment, but also contributes to local economic growth and development, filling roles of critical need.”