Delgado, Gonzalez Fight for Lasting DACA Reforms at Conference in Mexico City

CHICAGO – State Reps. Eva-Dina Delgado and Edgar Gonzalez Jr., D-Chicago, participated in the Binational Dream Conference in Mexico City last week, and brought 20 DACA recipients with them, discussing the future of DACA and paths to citizenship in the United States.

“I am deeply honored to have participated in such a transformative event,” said Delgado. “This conference provided a platform for DACA recipients to share their stories, accomplishments, and the experiences that led them here. DACA recipients make invaluable contributions to our communities and our country, and I remain committed to amplifying their voices.”

The Binational Dream Conference amplifies the voices of DACA recipients, also known as DREAMers, while encouraging conversations about binational leadership and the future of U.S.-Mexico relations. Rep. Delgado had the privilege of not only attending this conference, she also had the opportunity to serve as a speaker on a panel for the event alongside state Rep. Edgar Gonzalez.

“Last week’s conference reminds us that there continues to be power in coming together around a shared mission and that the bonds between the United States and the Mexican people are unshakeable,” Gonzalez said. “DACA was a revolutionary program allowing hardworking individuals to come out from the shadows in the country they call home. Advance parole allowed these DREAMers to visit their country of origin and have proof of legal entry into the United States. Yet, this program and its effectiveness are under threat. There is no doubt that lasting binational solutions are necessary to overcome our shared immigration challenges, but that need cannot come at the expense of solutions that we already know work.”

By attending this educational conference, DREAMers are able to legally re-enter the United States through what is known as advanced parole. Advanced parole is just one step to facilitate a pathway to citizenship for DREAMers, and can be granted if an individual is leaving the United States for educational, humanitarian, or employment reasons. By re-entering the country legally, the path to citizenship for DREAMers becomes easier, allowing them to more efficiently become citizens of the country they have called home for years.

“At Binational Institute of Human Development (BIHD), we are leading the way in developing innovative solutions to address the challenges faced by hundreds of thousands of Mexican National DACA recipients,” said Netza Roldan, CEO of BIHD. “The success of the Binational DREAM Conference and the proposal of the TN-D3 DACA Initiative to the Mexican Government marks a crucial first step toward making real progress for DACA holders. This initiative sets the foundation for lasting legal, professional, and economic empowerment for DREAMers. Illinois has a unique opportunity to spearhead a nationwide movement, inspiring organizations across the country to advocate for federal solutions that advance the rights and opportunities of immigrant communities.”

“I want to thank everyone who was involved in this conference, but especially the Mexican leaders we collaborated with throughout the conference,” said Delgado. “Without them, we would not have been able to discuss the future of DREAMers in the United States and the future of U.S.-Mexico relations.”

For more information on the Binational Institute of Human Development and their Binational Dream Conference, please reach out to info@binationalinstitute.com or call (312) 772-3410.