Press Releases

WASHINGTON, D.C.—The Congressional Hispanic Caucus (CHC) endorsed the Equality Act, introduced by LGBTQ+ Equality Caucus Chair David Cicilline (RI-01). The bill prohibits discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity in areas such as employment, education, housing, credit, the jury system, public accommodations and facilities, and federal funding. 29 states across America still lack comprehensive statewide laws against LGBTQ discrimination, leaving large gaps in LGBTQ protections. Following the endorsement, CHC Chairman Raul Ruiz, M.D. (CA-36) released the statement below.

WASHINGTON, D.C.—Today, the Congressional Hispanic Caucus (CHC) endorsed the U.S. Citizenship Act of 2021. The endorsement comes a day after CHC Members Sen. Bob Menendez and Immigration Taskforce Chair Rep. Linda Sánchez introduced the bill and as the Caucus looks to prioritize immigration reform during the 117^th Congress. Following the endorsement, CHC Chairman Raul Ruiz, M.D. (CA-36) released the statement below:

WASHINGTON, D.C.—Today, Congressional Hispanic Caucus (CHC) Immigration Taskforce Chair Linda Sánchez (CA-38) and CHC Member Senator Bob Menendez (D-NJ) introduced the bicameral U.S. Citizenship Act of 2021, President Biden's bold, inclusive, and humane framework for the future of the United States immigration system. CHC Chairman Raul Ruiz, M.D. (CA-36) and CHC Members Reps. Lucille Roybal-Allard (CA-40), Nydia Velázquez (NY-07), and Sens. Ben Ray Luján (D-NM) and Alex Padilla (D-CA), joined as chief cosponsors. Reps. Zoe Lofgren (CA-19), Judy Chu (CA-27), Yvette Clarke (NY-09), Karen Bass (CA-37), and Sens. Cory Booker (D-NJ), Mazie Hirono (D-HI) and Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) also joined as chief cosponsors.

WASHINGTON, D.C.—Today the Immigration and Citizenship Subcommittee within the House Judiciary Committee held a hearing highlighting the need for bold immigration reform. Following the hearing, Congressional Hispanic Caucus Chairman Raul Ruiz, M.D. (CA-36) released the statement below:

"The Congressional Hispanic Caucus thanks Judiciary Committee Chair Nadler and Immigration and Citizenship Subcommittee Chair Lofgren for holding this critical hearing today to highlight the importance of immigration reform," said Chairman Ruiz. "The CHC will continue to work closely with Chair Nadler, Chair Lofgren, and our two incredible CHC leaders, Senator Menendez and Congresswoman Sánchez, to pass big and bold immigration legislation for immigrants once and for all."

WASHINGTON, D.C.—On January 20, 2021, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) issued a memorandum setting forth interim enforcement priorities that went into effect on February 1, 2021. Today, Members of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus (CHC) sent a letter to Secretary Mayorkas urging DHS to suspend deportations for individuals that may not have been afforded due process and to ensure those individuals receive a full opportunity to have their claims heard. The letter also urges DHS to adhere to interim enforcement priorities until revised priorities are developed and implemented.

WASHINGTON—The Biden Administration has authorized $1.3 billion in aid for Puerto Rico to help protect against future climate disasters. Restrictions on another $4.9 billion are being eased. The move comes more than three years after Hurricane Maria devastated the island. In response to the announcement, Congressional Hispanic Caucus (CHC) Chairman Raul Ruiz, M.D. (CA-36) and CHC Members Congresswoman Nydia Velázquez (NY-07), Congressman Darren Soto (FL-09), Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (NY-14), and Congressman Ritchie Torres (NY-15) issued the following statement:

CHC Chairman Raul Ruiz, M.D. (CA-36):

WASHINGTON, D.C.—On Thursday, Members of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus (CHC) sent a letter to the National Governors Association (NGA) urging governors to follow CDC guidance in distributing vaccines to food and agriculture workers to help eliminate Latino health inequities exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic.

WASHINGTON—Today, the U.S. Senate confirmed Alejandro Mayorkas as Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). Mayorkas will be the first immigrant and first Hispanic to lead the department. Congressional Hispanic Caucus (CHC) Chairman Raul Ruiz, M.D. (CA-36) released the following statement in reaction to his confirmation: