Press Releases

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressional Hispanic Caucus (CHC) Chairwoman Rep. Michelle Lujan Grisham released the following statement concerning the nomination of Francis Cissna as Director of U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services:

"I have deep reservations about President Trump's pick to head U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). I urge our colleagues in the Senate to vote "no" on President Trump's pick to head this very important federal agency, which is so vital to welcoming immigrants and vulnerable refugees into our country.

"At his confirmation hearing on May 24, 2017, Mr. Cissna admitted that he had a role on the Trump transition team and offered his "technical assistance" in crafting some of the President's draconian immigration policies.

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Congressional Hispanic Caucus (CHC) released the following statement on the current situation in Venezuela:

"The situation in Venezuela has deteriorated substantially in the past year. During this time, Nicolás Maduro has steadily undermined Venezuela's democratic institutions. He has thwarted the Venezuelan people's efforts to initiate a recall referendum, he has delayed gubernatorial elections, and his handpicked Supreme Court has stripped key powers from the Venezuelan legislature. In his continued efforts to avoid elections, Maduro launched an unconstitutional and undemocratic effort to further consolidate power by convening a sham Constituent Assembly to rewrite the constitution by his handpicked supporters.

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Chairs of the Congressional Tri-Caucus – which is composed of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus, the Congressional Black Caucus, and the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus – sent a letter to the outgoing Director of the U.S. Census Bureau John H. Thompson inviting him to a meeting to discuss concerns and determine how Tri-Caucus Members can better support the U.S. Census Bureau as it prepares for the 2020 Census.

As stated in the letter, "[The Chairs] were troubled to learn that [Director Thompson] will be stepping down as U.S.

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressional Hispanic Caucus (CHC) Chairwoman Rep. Michelle Lujan Grisham and Members of the CHC sent a letter to Department of Justice (DOJ) Attorney General Jeff Sessions inviting him to a meeting to discuss the many concerns Members have with recent DOJ policy changes.

As stated in the letter, "In recent months, the Department of Justice has issued a number of troubling policy changes that run counter to this mission and move us away from a more fair and just society…Many of these changes are constitutionally questionable and some have been overturned in the courts.

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressional Hispanic Caucus (CHC) Chairwoman Rep. Michelle Lujan Grisham and Members of the CHC sent a letter to Department of Labor (DOL) Secretary Alexander Acosta inviting him to a meeting to discuss policies and regulations under his jurisdiction.

As stated in the letter, "Hispanics represent more than 16 percent of the workforce. This number will only continue to increase as Hispanics are projected to represent nearly 30 percent of the country's population by 2060.

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressional Hispanic Caucus (CHC) Chairwoman Rep. Michelle Lujan Grisham released the following statement on President Trump's budget proposal:

"President Trump's budget is a clear indication that this Administration stands with corporations and not with working families who are trying get ahead. In the President's vision of the future, Hispanic families, children, and seniors will bear the brunt of this disastrous budget. Trump's budget wastes billions of dollars on a costly and ineffective border wall and deportation force while cutting essential programs that help Hispanic families climb the economic ladder.

WASHINGTON, D.C. – After reports that federal immigration agents showed up at a Queens, New York elementary school to inquire about a fourth-grade student, Congressional Hispanic Caucus (CHC) Chair Rep. Michelle Lujan Grisham and CHC Members sent a letter to National School Boards Association President Kevin E. Ciak. The letter urges the Association to work with their members to develop protocols on how to address inquiries and visits from immigration enforcement agencies.

As stated in the letter, "We have a moral obligation to protect children in our communities, particularly in a school environment, where students and parents should feel that they are safe.

WASHINGTON, D.C. –Congressional Hispanic Caucus (CHC) members representing Texas released the following statements denouncing Texas' anti-immigrant Senate Bill 4 (SB4) law:

CHC First Vice-Chair Rep. Joaquin Castro (TX-20): "The state legislature's passage of SB4 was a dark moment for Texas and for our nation. Now, Governor Abbott has signed the measure into law, legalizing the profiling of people based on their ethnicity and birthplace. Not only is this law morally wrong, it will strain our law enforcement and make our communities more dangerous. Our state leaders' fearmongering is embarrassing and harmful to all Texans."

Rep. Filemon Vela (TX-34): "Last night Texas Governor Greg Abbott signed Senate Bill 4, also known as the "Show Me Your Papers" bill, into law.