Jill Biden delivers commencement speech to undocumented immigrant grads: 'Never stop dreaming'

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https://www.dailykos.com/stories/2021/5/21/2031508/-Jill-Biden-delivers-commencement-speech-to-undocumented-immigrant-grads-Never-stop-dreaming

Jill Biden delivers commencement speech to undocumented immigrant grads: 'Never stop dreaming'
Gabe Ortiz
Daily Kos Staff
Friday May 21, 2021 · 3:15 PM EDT


First lady Jill Biden told young undocumented immigrant graduates during a commencement speech this week that she feels “inspired” by them, saying that while the road ahead “will be both heartbreaking and hopeful,” she believed “the inner strength that got you here will serve you well,” the Associated Press (AP) reported.

The first lady made the remarks during a virtual commencement ceremony organized by TheDream.US, which has awarded college scholarships to thousands of undocumented immigrant youth across the nation. The organization said in a statement received by Daily Kos that 1,000 TheDream.US scholars across nearly 80 partner colleges were invited to be a part of the event.

“Graduations are special for everyone,” TheDream.US quoted Biden as saying. “I hope that for you, this celebration is sweeter because so many of your challenges have been greater.” The first lady said that graduates “didn’t just receive an education. You worked for it. You fought for it. So I know you’ll value it and put it to good use.” Others speaking Thursday included Kevin Ortiz, who came to the United States from Mexico at age 12 and told graduates that the “world needs your perspective, your leadership. So lead,” the AP said.

Their speeches came just after six Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) recipients met with President Joe Biden at the White House to share their stories and continue pressing for permanent legislative relief for undocumented communities. While the administration has announced a federal rule protecting DACA, The Washington Post reported that the young immigrants “spoke candidly to Biden about their concerns,” including the Texas court that yet again threatens the policy.

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“We know you have so much to contribute to this nation in the days ahead,” Huff Post reports the first lady said. “We stand with you. Never stop dreaming.”