Governor Pete Ricketts has vetoed LB 947, a bill that would allow DREAMers to obtain more than 170 professional and commercial licenses in the state of Nebraska.
DREAMers were brought to this country illegally as children but have been granted temporary lawful status under the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals policy.
A UNO DREAMer, Yajaira Gonzalez says she’s disappointed in the governor’s veto and says the governor is sending the wrong message to DREAMers and people all over the country.
“This veto implies that Nebraska does not support its residents, diversity, or its youth,” says Gonzalez.
Gonzalez’s parents brought her to the U.S. when she was eight years old. She remembers moving to Omaha, but not really understanding what it meant to be undocumented. She didn’t realize how her legal status would affect her future until she was 16 years old and attempted to apply for a driver’s license, a commodity most of her friends had no issues with.
Gonzalez, who is studying International Studies on a full-ride scholarship, says she wants to stay in her home state after graduation and give back to her community.
“This is my home. I don’t want to go anywhere else to practice my profession. I love Nebraska. I love Omaha. And I plan to stay here and fight for what I believe in and fight for my passion and for my dreams,” says Gonzalez.
Gonzalez is hopeful lawmakers will override the governor's veto. They approved the measure 33-11 which is enough support to override the governor's veto. Lawmakers could try for an override next week.
