There are more than 86 million migrants active in the global economy!

International Migrants Day commemorates the United Nations’ adoption of  International Convention on the Protection of the Rights of All Migrant Workers and Members of Their Families on 18 December 1990.

This day is an opportunity to recognise the contributions made by millions of immigrants to the development and well-being of so many countries in the world, including the United States, to promote respect for the rights of immigrant workers and their families, and to highlight the issues that are of key interest to migrants and their communities (those they live in and those they leave behind).

According to the International Labor Organization.

….close to half of all migrants and refugees worldwide – or some 86 million adults – are economically active, employed or otherwise engaged in remunerative activity, according to a new report released today by the International Labour Office (ILO).

This report is important in dispelling the myths surrounding global migration, particularly those that position migrants as threats to local economies and resources.

It is quite timely, and I believe NO coincidence, that today, International Migrants Day, the U.S. Senate is on the verge of voting on the DREAM Act, a critical piece of legislation, critical for the economy, critical for the future of young adults who deserve a future in the United States, the only home they have ever known!

WATCH IT ALL LIVE Here, starting 9 am EST with the debate and an expected 10:30 am vote: http://www.c-span.org/Live-Video/C-SPAN2/

Immigrant students under the DREAM Act could add between $1.4 to $3.6 TRILLION in taxable income to our economy over the course of their careers.

In a time when opponents to immigration reform legislation that speaks to human dignity, even ICE (Immigration Customs Enforcement) is even getting behind the DREAM Act,

“From the border perspective, passing something like this would in fact have a positive effect on our ability to address our nation’s borders,” said Customs and Border Patrol Deputy Commissioner David Aguilar. “It would support our efforts to focus on safety threats, smugglers and human traffickers.” Aguilar called the DREAM Act “a great force enhancer,” and said that contrary to DREAM Act opponents’ criticisms, the border was more secure than it had ever been.

“From our perspective the DREAM Act and its passage by the Senate is entirely consistent with this [enforcement policy] focusing limited resources of government on public safety, border security and the integrity of the system,” said John Morton, head of Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

You Need To Act Now!!

Before yesterday’s flurry of calls began, more than 200,000 calls had gone in to Congress in support of the DREAM Act. But it’s not over until the vote, and the vote will be THIS MORNING (Saturday). We expect the vote will take place at approximately 10:30 AM. We can’t let up yet.

Continue to call your Senators and ask them to vote YES to allow debate on the DREAM Act: Call 866-996-5161 to get patched through.

- email from National Immigration Forum