Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg and his wife Priscilla Chan announced Wednesday they were donating $5 million to a college scholarship fund for undocumented immigrants.
In a Facebook post, Zuckerberg said the money would create scholarships for 400 undocumented immigrants in the Bay Area over the next five years. The donation was made to thedream.us, a scholarship fund co-created by former Washington Post publisher Don Graham.
"America was founded as a nation of immigrants," Zuckerberg wrote. "We ought to welcome smart and hardworking young people from every nation, and to help everyone in our society achieve their full potential. If we help more young immigrants climb the ladder to new opportunities, then our country will make greater progress."
Zuckerberg has become a vocal and active advocate for legalizing the nation's 11 million undocumented immigrants. The Facebook founder has hosted hackathons with undocumented immigrants and lobbied for immigration reform through FWD.us, an advocacy organization he launched.
Gaby Pacheco, program director for thedream.us, told BuzzFeed News she hopes the donation will move other people, particularly in Silicon Valley, to also contribute.
"It shows people who live in the community this is a worthwhile cause," Pacheco said.
She also hopes that one day immigration reform will make scholarships such as these unnecessary.
"It's really important for DREAMers to know and understand they belong," Pacheco said. "For too long they were told they can't go to college or have legal status, when in reality that's not the truth. The country needs their talent and dedication."