May 18, 2007
Contact:
David Hawkins, director of public policy
703/836-2222 x109
(Alexandria, VA) – The National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC) applauded the efforts of the House Subcommittee on Immigration, Citizenship, Refugees, Border Security, and International Law for its consideration of the plight of hundreds of thousands of undocumented students who have effectively been barred from pursuing opportunities in higher education by an inconsistency in federal law. The subcommittee, chaired by Representative Zoe Lofgren, held a hearing on the future of these students today.
“We are encouraged that Chairwoman Lofgren has devoted her attention to this important issue,” said Mary Lee Hoganson, NACAC President. “As counselors and admission officers dedicated to improving college access nationwide, we hope that Congress will continue to act positively on behalf of these students in order to ensure they have the opportunity to pursue higher education and to make a strong contribution to our country.”
This is not the first time Congress has considered the unique situation of undocumented students. Last year, the Senate included provisions of the “Development, Relief, and Education for Alien Minors” (DREAM) Act as part of its comprehensive immigration reform bill. In the current session, the DREAM Act has enjoyed support in the Senate and has a counterpart, the American Dream Act, in the House.
About NACAC
NACAC is an Alexandria, VA-based education association of more than 9,800 secondary school counselors, independent counselors, college admission and financial aid officers, enrollment managers, and organizations that work with students as they make the transition from high school to postsecondary education. The association, founded in 1937, is committed to maintaining high standards that foster ethical and social responsibility among those involved in the transition process, as outlined in the NACAC Statement of Principles of Good Practice. More information about NACAC is available at www.nacacnet.org.
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