CHC CHAIR GONZALEZ STATEMENT ON NEW DHS IMMIGRATION ENFORCEMENT PROCESS

Washington D.C.: Chairman Charles A. Gonzalez (TX 20) released a statement in response to the Department of Homeland Security’s new interagency process to ensure that resources are focused on the Administration’s highest enforcement priorities. As part of this process, an interagency team of DHS and Department of Justice officers and attorneys, including representatives from throughout DHS and from the Executive Office for Immigration Review (EOIR) and the Office of Immigration Litigation at DOJ, will identify low-priority removal cases that should be considered for an exercise of discretion

“I applaud President Obama and Secretary Napolitano’s decision to commit a panel to redefine priorities in deportation cases. It is essential to devote our resources to apprehending, prosecuting and deporting individuals that pose a danger to our communities.

“While this administrative change is not a panacea for all our nation’s immigration problems, it’s a positive step forward and will, I hope, serve as guidepost to set the tone of continuing immigration discussions.”