Illinois Senator Dick Durbin, nearing the end of a distinguished 44-year career in Congress, reflects on his long-standing efforts to pass comprehensive immigration reform, particularly the Dream Act. Despite persistent advocacy, Durbin has yet to secure legislative success on this front, describing the journey as a “titanic struggle” that has spanned more than two decades.
The Dream Act, first introduced by Durbin in 2001, aims to provide a pathway to citizenship for immigrants brought to the United States as children without legal status, contingent upon meeting specific requirements. The bill has garnered bipartisan support over the years but has repeatedly stalled in Congress. As he prepares to leave the Senate early next year, Durbin expressed deep regret over the inability to pass the legislation, emphasizing his continued commitment to the cause even after his departure.
Durbin’s approach draws inspiration from mentors and predecessors who faced similar legislative challenges, including former Illinois Senator Paul Douglas and late Massachusetts Senator Edward Kennedy. Both figures championed civil rights and healthcare reform, respectively, often laboring for years in the legislative minority before seeing their efforts realized. Durbin notes the importance of maintaining persistence and keeping issues at the forefront of public and political discourse.
Throughout his tenure, Durbin has sought to keep immigration reform alive in speeches, public appearances, and on the Senate floor, frequently sharing personal stories of Dreamers to humanize the issue. He also has prioritized bipartisan cooperation, securing co-sponsors from across the aisle such as former Senators Orrin Hatch and Lindsey Graham, and current Senator Lisa Murkowski. “This needs to be bipartisan,” Durbin emphasized in discussing the necessity of cross-party support.
Beyond efforts on broad reform, Durbin has endorsed legislation targeting specific components of the immigration system. Recently, he and Senator Kirsten Gillibrand introduced bills aimed at improving protections for immigrant children in government custody and establishing an independent judiciary for immigration courts to reduce political influence. Durbin cited lessons from the civil rights movement that partial victories can lay the groundwork for eventual comprehensive success.
Looking ahead, Durbin has actively encouraged younger members of Congress, including Senators Alex Padilla, Catherine Cortez Masto, Chris Coons, and Representative Delia Ramirez, to continue pushing immigration reform after his Senate tenure. He remains hopeful that the issue will ultimately prevail, attributing potential success to the alignment of justice and the passage of time.
“I think that time is on the side of this issue because justice is on the side of this issue. We simply can’t give up,” Durbin said, underscoring his determination to support Dreamers and immigration reform beyond his years in office.