At the White House, historic days happen quite frequently, but Wednesday marked an especially profound day as individuals from across the nation came to the Eisenhower Executive Office Building to honor the life and legacy of one of the greatest civil rights leaders of our time: Cesar Estrada Chavez, marking what would have been his 84th birthday.

Secretary of Labor Hilda Solis, Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar and Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack joined members of the Chavez family, including Cesar’s granddaughters Julie Rodriguez and Christine Chavez, who now serve in the Obama Administration.

The event was an opportunity to reflect on the past, take stock of where we are in the present and look toward the future and how much work we still have before us.  After welcoming remarks from White House Director of Intergovernmental Affairs Cecilia Muñoz and the three Cabinet secretaries in attendance, Christine Chavez introduce the film  “Common Man, Uncommon Vision: The Cesar Chavez Story,” which chronicled Cesar’s life and the history of the farm worker movement.  As the film ended, many in the audience stood and began an impromptu farmworker clap – and  you could feel Cesar’s energy in the room.

Then Julie Rodriguez led a panel discussion with the Cabinet Secretaries discussing how Cesar’s legacy is carried on each day by the work of their agencies and how he has inspired them and their work.  Secretary Salazar cited the work he does day in and day out to preserve the history of our nation and how he recently dedicated the 40 Acres at Delano -- where the farmworker movement was born -- as a national historic landmark.  Secretary Solis talked about how the Department of Labor works every day to protect the rights and dignity of all workers.  And Secretary Vilsack provided inspiring words about the importance each of us has to change the world – reminding us, that Cesar was just one man that started a movement that changed the lives of many, and that each and everyone one of us has that same power. 

It was clear from those that joined us yesterday – from the students who left knowing more about our history; to the people who worked with and  marched with Cesar years ago; to the farmworkers that travelled from California who are continuing his work today – that Cesar’s unwavering dedication  and tireless work on behalf of such a vulnerable group of people – continues to this day to have an impact on so many. 

For more administration resources on Cesar Chavez click here:

• Presidential Proclamation – Cesar Chavez Day
• United We Serve Blog: Cesar Chavez – A Role Model for Service
• Secretary Salazar Opens Public Comment Period on Sites Significant to Life of Cesar Chavez
• America’s Great Outdoors:  Honoring an American Hero: Celebrating the Life of César Chávez and dedicating the “Forty Acres” site as a National Historic Landmark

Stephanie Valencia is Associate Director of the White House Office of Public Engagement

On Saturday morning, the Senate will finally vote on the DREAM Act – the DREAM Act, that was written by Republicans and Democrats close to ten years ago – that would give some of our best and brightest the ability to fully contribute to our country’s well-being by serving in the U.S. armed forces or pursuing a higher education.   

This bill is good for our nation, and it’s the right thing to do. Our leadership has worked hard to illustrate the many reasons for supporting this bill from both a security and competitiveness standpoint and the bipartisan support the bill got in the House of Representatives shows that this effort has had some success.   In fact, if the Senate passes the House bill, it will go straight to the President’s desk.  Whether it succeeds depends on whether or not there are Republicans in the Senate willing to stop playing politics with important issues. Voters sent a message to their leaders in Washington a few weeks ago.  They Democrats and Republicans to put aside partisan differences and bickering, and work in a bipartisan manner.  DREAM Act provides an opportunity for Republicans and Democrats to come together, as they have on this issue before, and work to find a common-sense solution to a problem that everyone agrees must be fixed. We hope we’ll see more of that type of courage to stand up to the politics of the moment, and do what’s right for our country and for the next generation, not just the next election.  Hundreds of conservatives, religious leaders, university presidents, defense leaders, economists, business leaders, law enforcement, all believe this is the right thing to do.  After last week’s strong, bi-partisan vote in the House of Representatives, we hope that Democrats and Republicans in the Senate can come together and do what is right to pass the DREAM Act. 

5 Key Reasons we need the DREAM Act

1. The DREAM Act will have important economic benefits. According to the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office, the DREAM Act in its current form will cut thedeficit by $1.4 billion and increase government revenues by $2.3 billion over the next 10 years. According to a recent UCLA study, students that would be impacted by the DREAM Act could add between $1.4 to $3.6 trillion in taxable income to our economy over the course of careers, depending on how many ultimately gain legal status. This income is substantially higher than the income they would earn if they were unable to attend and complete a college education. In fact, research indicates that the average college graduate earned nearly 60 percent more than a high-school graduate. We have much to gain from doing right by these young people.
2. The DREAM Act will contribute to our military’s recruitment efforts and readiness: Secretary of Defense Gates has written to DREAM Act sponsors citing the rich precedent of non-citizens serving in the U.S. military and stating that “the DREAM Act represents an opportunity to expand [the recruiting] pool, to the advantage of military recruiting and readiness.” The DREAM Act is also a part of the Department of Defense's 2010-2012 Strategic Plan to assist the military in its recruiting efforts.
3. The DREAM Act will make our country more competitive in the global economy:  Secretary of Education Arne Duncan has stated that passing the DREAM Act will allow“these young people to live up to their fullest potential and contribute to the economic growth of our country.” In particular, the DREAM Act will play an important part in the nation’s efforts to have the highest proportion of college graduates in the world by 2020,” something vital for America to remain competitive in today’s global economy.  Dozens of college Presidents and other educators from across the country support the DREAM Act for this reason. 
4. The DREAM Act will allow our immigration and border security experts to focus on those who pose a serious threat to our nation’s security. Secretary Napolitano believes this targeted legislation provides a firm but fair way to deal with innocent children brought to the U.S. at a young age so that the Department of Homeland Security can dedicate their enforcement resources to detaining and deporting criminals and those who pose a threat to our country.
5. The DREAM Act is supported by a broad coalition from across the country - conservatives, religious leaders, university presidents, defense leaders, economists, business leaders, law enforcement.   

• See a list of supporters
• Read the fact sheet

Under Secretary Stanley described the DREAM Act as “the sweet spot,” pointing out it is “common sense,” and that given that recruitment rates go through cycles in the military, the DREAM Act is important to expand the pool of recruits.
 
In addition, Secretaries Duncan and Napolitano sent letters to the Hill today expressing their support for the DREAM Act and urging Congress to pass it (view Secretary Duncan's letters here and Secretary Napolitano letters here).

And Dr. Jill Biden, Second Lady of the United States, penned an op-ed that ran in today’s Fort Wayne Journal Gazette  and Miami Herald, providing her perspective as an educator, and as someone who has had the privilege to work with military families. As she wrote, “The power of the talent of these young future-Americans is immense. Whether they want to serve our military or further their education, it's in our nation's best interest to make that possible. Let's put their talent to good use.”

And other op-eds and editorials continue to run in support of the DREAM Act, including one in the Washington Post written by conservative Michael Gerson titled, “How the Dream Act Transcends Politics.” Clearly, people across the political spectrum and from across a broad range of sectors -- education, military, and security communities -- see that passing the DREAM Act is good for our economy, good for our security, and good for our nation.

UPDATE:

Dr. Jill Biden’s oped ran in today’s Salt Lake City Tribune.

Secretary of Commerce, Gary Locke wrote an op-ed in the Houston Chronicle today that highlighted how passing the DREAM Act would boost the U.S. economy:

These young people, who were brought to America by their parents when they were children, can be our future scientists, doctors, military leaders and teachers. Some of them are future entrepreneurs who will build the next Google or Intel that generates hundreds or thousands of good jobs for Americans. We must give these children an opportunity to advance and succeed. Our economic future depends on it.

The President’s of Harvard and Stanford penned a joint op-ed in Politico that ran this morning:

Developing children’s full potential through education can improve career opportunities, increase personal happiness and success and prepare them to make important contributions to society. The education of every child represents a crucial investment in our collective future. These students become the talented young workers and innovators likely to drive future economic growth and innovation.

This morning the Administration issued a strong Statement of Administration Policy, sending its official recommendation of support for the DREAM Act to the Hill ahead of today’s possible votes.     

Clearly, people across the political spectrum and from across a broad range of sectors -- education, military, and security communities -- see that passing the DREAM Act is good for our economy, good for our security, and good for our nation.   It’s time to move forward on this important piece of legislation. 

Here is a quick update. It looks like the House and Senate could take up the DREAM Act as early as this week. From the White House and Obama Administration we continue to do all we can, with everyone from the President to Cabinet and Senior officials working to highlight how important the DREAM Act is to our economy, our security, and our nation.

As you know, the DREAM Act is common-sense legislation drafted by both Republicans and Democrats that would give students who grew up in the United States a chance to contribute to our country’s well-being by serving in the U.S. armed forces or pursuing a higher education. Because it just makes sense, the DREAM Act has long enjoyed bipartisan support. It is limited, targeted legislation that will allow only the best and brightest young people to earn their legal status after a rigorous and lengthy process, and applies to those brought to the United States as minors through no fault of their own by their parents. These are young people who know no other home. Here is some of the work we have been doing:

• Secretary Duncan participated in a call with Conservatives for Comprehensive Immigration Reform about the DREAM Act and posted an oped in The Hill saying “Passing the DREAM Act will unleash the full potential of young people who live out values that all Americans cherish — a strong work ethic; service to others; and a deep loyalty to our country. It will also strengthen our military, bolster our global economic competitiveness and increase our educational standing in the world.” Later that day he hosted a call with over 100 University Presidents on the importance of the DREAM Act.
• Deputy Assistant to the President and Director of the Office of Intergovernmental Affairs, Cecilia Munoz and I participated in a DREAM Act web chat on WhiteHouse.gov taking great questions like whether the legislation would encourage people to come to the United States illegally (it would not) and whether the DREAM Act can be implemented by the President via Executive Order (it cannot, which is why he is strongly urging Congress to do the right thing by passing it). Secretary Solis, Valerie Jarrett, Cecilia Munoz and I participated in a conference call with hundreds of people across the country as well to give them an update.
• On Wednesday, Joshua DuBois, Director of the White House Office of Faith Based and Neighborhood Partnerships and over 100 faith leaders from across the country participated in a conference call about why the DREAM Act is the right thing to do.
• Under Secretary of Defense Dr. Clifford Stanley spoke out in support of the DREAM Act saying "Throughout past and current conflicts, those who are not yet citizens have answered the call to defend their adopted nation...Allowing DREAM Act-eligible youth the opportunity to serve this nation would continue this tradition of service, while expanding the market of high-quality patriotic youth, to the advantage of military recruitment and readiness."
• On Thursday, Secretary Napolitano held a conference call with reporters in which she made it clear that the DREAM Act is important for our law enforcement, and will help us better focus our resources so we can enforce immigration laws in a “way that makes sense,” targeting criminals.
• On Friday, Secretary Locke hosted a call with University Presidents Dr. Carlos Campo, President of Regent University, Dr. Gene Block, Chancellor, UCLA and Dr. Eduardo Padron, Miami-Dade College to talk about the importance of the DREAM Act to our country’s competitiveness. Secretary Locke said, "These are kids that can be our future scientists, our doctors, our military leaders and our educators. Some of them are our future entrepreneurs who will build the next Google or Intel that will generate hundreds of thousands of good paying jobs for our country."
• The White House also released a fact sheet and a top ten list on why we need to pass the DREAM Act, highlighting myths and facts about the legislation as well as highlighting real stories, key supporters of the bill and over 50 editorial boards that have come out in support of the DREAM Act .

So it’s the end of a busy week, but we will keep gearing up for more action next week as Congress heads toward votes. Keep up with what we're doing on WhiteHouse.gov.

Stephanie Valencia is an Associate Director of the Office of Public Engagement

1. Like Ginkgo Biloba, It’ll Make Us Smarter: Secretary of Education Arne Duncan has stated that passing the DREAM Act will “play an important part in the nation’s efforts to have the highest proportion of college graduates in the world by 2020,” something vital for America to remain competitive in today’s global economy.
2. For Ivan Rosales: With the DREAM Act, young people like Ivan Rosales, who came to the United States when he was a year old, can become doctors and work towards a cure for cancer. Ivan’s brother, a National Guardsman, and his brother-in-law, an Iraq veteran, inspired his dream to serve as a doctor in the military, before going on to work as a cancer researcher. Without the DREAM Act, Ivan and others like him have no way to even stay in the country, much less serve it.
3. Uncle Sam Says, The DREAM Act supports our troops: Secretary of Defense Gates has written to DREAM Act sponsors citing the rich precedent of non-citizens serving in the U.S. military and stating that “the DREAM Act represents an opportunity to expand [the recruiting] pool, to the advantage of military recruiting and readiness.
4. For Gaby Pacheco: So Gaby Pacheco, who was the highest ranked J-ROTC student in her high school and president of her college student government, can serve in the Air Force and eventually live out her dream of working with special needs children.
5. It Helps Separate The Bad Guys From The Good Guys: Secretary Napolitano believes this targeted legislation provides a firm but fair way to deal with innocent children brought to the U.S. at a young age so that the Department of Homeland Security can dedicate their enforcement resources to detaining and deporting criminals and those who pose a threat to our country.
6. For David Cho: So David Cho, who graduated from high school with a 3.9 GPA, plays seven instruments and is the drum major at UCLA, can live his dream of serving the United States in the Air Force.
7. It’s Bipartisan: The DREAM Act is a bipartisan piece of legislation designed to stop punishing innocent young people for the actions of their parents by giving them the chance to obtain legal status by pursuing a higher education, or by serving in the U.S. armed forces for the country they've grown up in and love as their own.
8. For Cesar Vargas: So Cesar Vargas, a proud Brooklyn kid, can live his dream  to serve in the military as a JAG officer or on the front line as an intelligence officer with the Marines. He wants to “earn [his] place next to the great heroes of our nation that have and are fighting to defend our Constitution."
9. It Will Help Our Economy: According to a recent UCLA study, students that would be impacted by the DREAM Act could add between $1.4 to $3.6 trillion in taxable income to our economy over the course of careers, depending on how many ultimately gain legal status. According to the non-partisan Congressional Budget Office, the DREAM Act in its current form will cut the deficit by $1.4 billion and increase government revenues by $2.3 billion over the next 10 years.
10. It’s The Right Thing To Do: It’s just plain common sense and it’s the right thing to do. For more information on the DREAM Act, view the fact sheet.

Stephanie Valencia is an Associate Director of the Office of Public Engagement