Bacow discusses DREAM act with Kerry, Brown
By Saumya Vaishampayan


Published: Thursday, April 22, 2010

Updated: Thursday, April 22, 2010

University President Lawrence Bacow yesterday met with Sen. John Kerry (D−Mass) and Sen. Scott Brown (R−Mass) in Washington, D.C. to discuss, among other issues relevant to Tufts, the Development, Relief and Education for Alien Minors (DREAM) Act.

Yesterday’s series of meetings with Kerry and Brown were especially significant given the recent surge in publicity about the DREAM Act, part of which would increase undocumented immigrant students’ access to higher education.

The meetings included other members of the Massachusetts Congressional delegation and occur periodically as a venue for Tufts to weigh in on consequential issues, according to Director of Public Relations Kim Thurler.

Bacow on April 14 signed letters to Kerry and Brown endorsing the bill, making public his support of the DREAM Act, which would amend the Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act of 1996.

The DREAM Act would give undocumented immigrant students who moved to the United States before the age of 16 the opportunity to enroll in an institution of higher education or enlist in the U.S. Military.

It would also grant eligible students temporary permanent residency and the eventual option of applying for U.S. citizenship.

“I was happy to lend my support,â€