CHC MARKS ANNIVERSARY OF POTUS ACTIONS ON IMMIGRATION

Washington, D.C. – Today, the Congressional Hispanic Caucus (CHC) released the following statements marking the one-year anniversary of President Obama's executive actions on immigration. Unfortunately, the centerpieces of the executive actions—expanded DACA and DAPA—remain in limbo following rulings by a federal court in Texas and most recently, the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals. One year in, the need for comprehensive immigration reform is more imperative than ever:

CHC Chairwoman Linda T. Sánchez: "We mark today's anniversary somberly yet with the resolve and optimism that is emblematic of the Latino community. After months of setbacks in the courts, the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals has now presented an opportunity for the Supreme Court to make a determination. The Hispanic Caucus will fight tooth and nail to defend President Obama's executive actions. We also understand that only Congress can provide real and lasting protections. That is why we continue to work tirelessly toward comprehensive legislation that allows all 11 million immigrant families to come out of the shadows and at last, live with dignity and certainty."

CHC Second Vice-Chair Joaquin Castro: "Today is a bittersweet anniversary. President Obama's proposed DAPA and expanded DACA programs would strengthen families and boost our nation's economy, yet a year after their announcement, they remain stuck in the courts. As we wait to see if the Supreme Court takes up the case, 5 million people's futures hang in the balance. Our nation's broken immigration system requires immediate, comprehensive reform. Until Congress acts, DAPA and expanded DACA are valuable steps in changing U.S. policies for the better."

CHC Whip Ruben Gallego: "Millions of families who would benefit from the DACA expansion and the DAPA program are still in limbo due to a lawsuit that is nothing but a political stunt. Republicans want to deport the parents of 5 million U.S. citizens, and young people who are American in every way but citizenship. That's unconscionable and goes against our values as a nation built by immigrants. We will continue to work with the tireless advocates who are fighting to protect DACA and DAPA. I know that we will win, and that relief will be granted to these families who only want to stay together."

House Democratic Caucus Chairman Xavier Becerra: "One year ago, President Obama took action in the face of Congress's failure to reform our broken immigration system. Unfortunately, the US Fifth Circuit Court of Appeal issued a ruling that continues to block the implementation of these vital programs. Our security, our economy and so many anticipating families are paying the price for this delay. At a time when anti-immigrant rhetoric from my Republican colleagues dominates the airwaves, Congress should be working to pass a commonsense fix to our broken immigration system."

Congressman Ben Ray Luján: "As we mark the anniversary of the President's announcement of his executive actions, we have a new Speaker, but are hearing the same old, tired excuses about why House Republicans have failed to act on comprehensive immigration reform. Every day that goes by, people who have been part of our communities for years contributing to the economy continue to live in fear of having their families split apart. House Republicans have been better at coming up with excuses than coming up with solutions. It is long past time for House Republican leaders to allow a vote on comprehensive immigration reform."

Congresswoman Lucille Roybal-Allard: "One year after President Obama announced the creation of DAPA and the expansion of DACA, we continue to fight to put these actions into effect. We keep fighting because parents should not be separated from their American children. We keep fighting because DREAMers should not be deported from the only nation they call home. We keep fighting because millions of men and women need to come out of the shadows and openly contribute to our country. We keep fighting because the facts show that immigrants make America a stronger and more prosperous nation. We keep fighting because it is the right thing to do. I hope the Supreme Court will take up this issue, and rule that DACA can finally be expanded and DAPA can finally be implemented."

Congressman Rubén Hinojosa: "President Obama's executive actions on immigration were enacted in the face of a Republican Congress derelict in its duty. Only Congress can truly fix our broken immigration system. Despite a desperate need, as well as overwhelming support from the American people, business groups, and the faith community, the Republican Congress refuses to enact common sense, bi-partisan comprehensive immigration reform. President Obama's actions represent leadership and a reasonable, humane, and practical response to a pressing immigration problem. The Fifth Circuit's recent denial of the federal government's appeal of the preliminary injunction that has halted implementation of President Obama's executive actions on immigration is not the end of the battle. I applaud the Administration's decision to appeal the ruling to the Supreme Court, and I will continue to fight for justice and comprehensive immigration reform."

Congresswoman Loretta Sanchez: "When President Obama announced his executive actions on immigration, DAPA and the expansion of DACA, hope grew for many families trying to come out of the shadows. The recent upsetting decision by Fifth Circuit Court is a reminder that we cannot rely on the courts to correct our dysfunctional immigration system. America's progress is stunted when we waste resources on separating hard-working families from their loved ones and DREAMERS from the only country they've ever known. Blocking comprehensive immigration reform hurts our country and leaves our families, businesses and economy hanging in the balance."

Congressman Jim Costa: "The expansion of DACA and DAPA would allow millions of hard working individuals to come out of the shadows and stop living in fear, so they can continue to make positive contributions to this country. This anniversary reminds us of the importance of expanding DACA and DAPA, but more importantly highlights the need for Congress to work together and pass Comprehensive Immigration Reform."

Congressman Juan Vargas: "Being able to celebrate the first anniversary of President Obama's Executive Actions on immigration means we've come a long way. The Fifth Circuit's decision not to extend the DACA/DAPA programs is certainly disappointing, but it will not darken our hopes of providing a better life for millions of people. We will continue to fight for the rights of the immigrants that already call our Nation home. iSi se puede!"

Congresswoman Norma Torres: "Many of those who'd benefit from the President's actions came here as children just as I did and are American in every way but on paper. Denying them and their families the opportunities that millions of immigrants before them sought goes against not only our values but our interests."

Congressman Pete Aguilar: "Expanding DACA and creating DAPA is about keeping families together and strengthening our communities. We have faced hurdles in the past year but I remain as committed as ever to working with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to achieve comprehensive immigration reform that includes a pathway to citizenship."

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The Congressional Hispanic Caucus (CHC), founded in December 1976, is organized as a Congressional Member organization, governed under the Rules of the U.S. House of Representatives. The CHC is dedicated to voicing and advancing, through the legislative process, issues affecting Hispanics in the United States, Puerto Rico and U.S. Territories.