_The American Council on Education drafted the letter, which is reproduced below._
Dear Speaker Ryan, Leader Pelosi, Leader McConnell and Leader Schumer:
On behalf of the undersigned colleges and universities, we urge you to take the action that President Trump requested when he rescinded the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) policy, and pass a long-term legislative fix as soon as possible to protect Dreamers, outstanding young people brought to our country as children.
There is widespread support among your constituents and across the country on the need to protect these individuals. A Sept. 24-26 Fox News poll found that 62 percent of Americans say it is extremely or very important for Congress to pass legislation to address the Dreamers. A Sept. 18-21 Washington Post-ABC News poll found that more than two-thirds of adults—69 percent—support allowing these individuals to stay in the United States if they had arrived as a child, had completed high school or served in the military and had not committed a serious crime.
Colleges and universities have seen these remarkable people up close, in our classrooms and as our colleagues and friends. Despite the challenges they face, they have made incredible contributions to our country and its economy and security. They should continue to be able to do so. If we are unable to protect these Dreamers, we will be shutting the door to an entire generation of individuals who seek to contribute their best to America.
Our letter echoes the request made in the September 20 letter from over 800 business and industry leaders in asking that Congress provide Dreamers with the permanent legislative solution that they deserve. The U.S. Chamber of Commerce also supports this request. Children brought to the United States at a young age did not have a choice in the matter and are today Americans in every way but immigration status. It remains in America’s best interest to enable them to use their knowledge, skills and energy to continue to make the strongest possible contribution to our country.
We stand ready to work with Congress in a bipartisan manner to address this issue as quickly as possible.