The Association of American Universities (AAU), the American Council on Education (ACE), and two dozen other higher education organizations urged Senate leadership to consider bipartisan legislation that would grant legal status to 1.8 million Dreamers.
In a letter to Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell and Senate Minority Leader Charles Schumer, the organizations said the amendments offered by Senators McCain and Coons and by another group that includes Senators Rounds, King, Collins, Manchin, Graham, and Kaine had the best chance of passage along bipartisan lines.
"Both would allow Dreamers to pursue their lives with certainty and stability, providing them with a long-term permanent solution," the letter said. "These amendments represent reasonable compromises by both sides of the aisle.
"We urge you not to let this opportunity pass,” the letter concludes. “We respectfully request you support legislation that protects these outstanding individuals, who are Americans in every way but immigration status, and are making countless positive contributions to our nation.”