CHC Members on New DHS policy for DREAMers

Washington D.C.: Today, members of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus released this statement following the announcement that President Obama will halt the deportations of certain young people who were brought to the United States as children and do not present a risk to national security or public safety. Under the new policy, those who meet the criteria will also be eligible to apply for work authorization.

Chairman Charles Gonzalez (TX-20): “We commend the president for taking this necessary action to stop the unfair and unnecessary hardship that has been placed on young people who have never committed any offense. It is in the economic best interests of the United States to give these dedicated and productive students a chance to fully become part of the only country they have known and loved. The president's action comes as a result of Congress's failure to meet its responsibility to enact comprehensive immigration reform and the CHC is hopeful that this will spur meaningful legislation, as opposed to extreme political rhetoric that has surrounded the debate in the past.”

Senator Robert Menendez (D-NJ): “For all the young people who call this country their home but have been unable to fulfill their dreams, I am profoundly grateful to the President and the Administration for suspending the deportation of Dreamers,” said Menendez. “For these young men and women who want to become doctors, teachers, police officers and soldiers, this announcement will change their lives forever.”

Rep. Luis V. Gutierrez (IL-04): “For a year and a half after the DREAM Act was filibustered, I have been standing with others and saying to the President 'yes you can' prevent the deportation of DREAMers and now he and the Secretary clearly agree and are taking proper action. This could protect 800,000 or more young immigrants with roots here right now, and will be seen in the immigrant and Latino community as a very significant down payment on broader reform. It is the right thing to do and I am overjoyed and proud that the President has acted.”

Rep. Lucille Roybal-Allard (CA-34): “Today’s announcement represents a long overdue step forward for our nation and for the thousands of undocumented children who have called America home for most of their lives. Ending the deportation of DREAM Act-eligible youth makes both moral and fiscal sense, freeing up our immigration authorities to focus on dangerous offenders. This new policy reflects what I’ve always believed: Kids who grow up in our communities, work hard in the classroom, know no other country and love America like we all do, deserve the chance to stay here. With this decision, President Obama has once again demonstrated his unswerving commitment to giving every child a fair shot at the American dream. Of course, the struggle for immigrant rights is far from over. Now the challenge for all of us in Congress is to duplicate the President’s courage and compassion. We owe it to these patriotic kids to finally pass the DREAM Act and give them a chance to become citizens of the only country they have ever known.”

Rep. Nydia M. Velázquez (NY-12): “The President’s announcement is a welcome step in the right direction. For too long, our broken immigration system has torn apart families and victimized young people who came to the United States as children. Now, it is incumbent on Congress to move forward with comprehensive immigration reform.”

Rep. Rubén Hinojosa (TX-15): "What this administration has done is a step in the right direction but it is just the beginning. We must all recognize the fact that these young Dream Act students are Americans and should be treated as such and that includes the rights all U.S. citizens enjoy. During a Democratic majority, we in the House of Representatives voted to pass the Dream Act, but unfortunately it was the Senate that halted the American Dream for these children. The wrong must be made right. They deserve a path to U.S. citizenship without fear of reneging or reprisal."

Rep. Silvestre Reyes (TX-16): “Today’s bold move by the Obama Administration of allowing young people, who were brought to this country as children, the ability to remain in the United States, underscores the need for Comprehensive Immigration Reform. I have worked with my colleagues in the Congressional Hispanic Caucus, for many years, in conjunction with other immigration groups, to pass Comprehensive Immigration Reform and the Dream Act. Today, I am proud of our work, but more must be done. For too long, these young people were being punished through no fault of their own. In many cases, they were denied the ability of pursuing higher education. Unfortunately, because of the partisan politics being played in the House of Representatives by the Republican majority, President Obama had no choice but to take action. I commend President Obama for his work and stand with him at this monumental time.”

Rep. Joe Baca (CA-43): “I am thrilled that President Obama has taken this responsible approach to enforcing our nation’s immigration laws,” Rep. Baca said. “It is important that our immigration laws take into consideration the individual circumstances of each person. These productive young people want to contribute to our society. They are hard working individuals who have lived in the United States for many years and want to achieve the American Dream just like everyone else.”

Rep. Raúl Grijalva (AZ-7): “This is a sensible solution that allows us, as a national community, to help hundreds of thousands of young adolescents trapped in legal limbo. This is a wonderful day for them, their families, and the many millions of us who believe in fairness and opportunity. I applaud President Obama and Secretary Napolitano’s decision to extend the American dream to a new generation of deserving individuals. While this change is not a permanent solution, it is a major step in the right direction. Rather than repeating the same divisive arguments, Republicans should take this chance to stop the unnecessary politicking and enact comprehensive immigration reform so we can move forward together as a country and as a single American people."

Rep. Linda Sánchez (CA-39): “I applaud President Obama for taking a positive step toward reforming our immigration system. Those who work hard and abide by our laws should be given the opportunity to educate themselves and help our great nation prosper and grow,” said Congresswoman Sánchez. “These changes will make a world of difference to the hundreds of young people in my district who want to give back to the country they call home. It is my hope that the Republican leadership will follow the President’s example and introduce the DREAM Act in the House of Representatives.”

Rep. Albio Sires (NJ-13): “Today’s announcement by the Obama Administration is welcome and long overdue. In order to keep our country safe and effectively enforce our nation’s immigration laws, we cannot afford to chase down and deport innocent children. These individuals seldom know any other home but the United States. Under this new procedure, those who arrived in the United States before the age of sixteen and have succeeded in school or participated in the military will now have the opportunity to continue to positively contribute to our country. It is my hope that today’s announcement will bring not just hope to these individuals, but that it will bring certainty to their futures.”

Rep. Pedro R. Pierluisi (PR): “I am very pleased that President Obama has announced this sensible and pragmatic new policy which will prevent the deportation of young immigrants who came to the U.S. as children with their parents, who have been educated in our schools or served in our armed forces, who have lived law-abiding lives, and who want to continue living in and contributing to this nation. In the large majority of cases, we are talking about young people that have strong roots in this country and that identify completely with the values, traditions, and dreams shared by U.S. citizens. I am convinced that the President’s action today is going to strengthen the U.S. at home and in the eyes of the rest of the world.”