CHC ON ‘SU VOZ, MI VOTO,’ DREAM ACT, LATINO VOTE

Washington D.C.: Chairman Charles A. Gonzalez (TX 20) and members of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus released the following statements upon holding a press conference today with DREAM activists and young Latino voters about the launch of a new civic engagement campaign to engage Latinos called “Su Voz, Mi Voto,” or in English, “Their Voice, My Vote.” The program’s goal is to motivate and educate Latino voters that their vote in 2012 will be the voice for their undocumented friends, family members and classmates

Chairman Charles A. Gonzalez (TX-20):

“The DREAM Act, which passed in the House with strong CHC support in 2010, would have provided young men and women already contributing to our economy to have the opportunity to truly be a part of country. As election season heats up, some elected officials and candidates are finally reaching out to Hispanics, but their proposals, while disguised to help DREAMERS, will in fact permanently prevent young men and women from truly being a citizen of the country they love. To empower the Latino community and provide a voice to the policies and issues we care about most, it is of the utmost importance for our community to register and turnout to vote. Now, more than ever, we need to use that fervor to continue to keep the DREAM alive and turned into a reality.”

Rep. Luis V. Gutierrez (IL-4), Chair of the CHC Immigration Task Force:

“There is no electoral equation this year other than to conclude that the road to the White House goes through Latino neighborhoods and immigrant citizens. That is why I am so pleased to see a group of young people committing themselves to make sure that every eligible voter is registered and votes and makes their voice heard at the ballot box.”

Rep. Rep. Raúl Grijalva (AZ-7):

"The DREAM Act isn't just about Hispanics and isn't just about this year - it's about the future of this country. The young people who would qualify for our original DREAM Act are an inspiration to all of us and deserve our support and respect. Nothing could be more important than creating a better future for the next generation, and that's what an effective bill has to do. Anything less won't work."

Rep. Nydia Velázquez (NY-12):

“Enacting the DREAM Act will bring justice for thousands of undocumented immigrants who graduate from high school, each year.”