Civil Rights, Housing, and Voting Rights

Washington, D.C. – Today, Congressman Joaquin Castro (TX-20), Second Vice Chair of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus (CHC), led a letter to the House Appropriations Committee, urging them to strike a provision from the FY2017 Legislative Branch Appropriations bill that would require the Library of Congress to use the terms “aliens” and “illegal aliens” in its subject headings. In March, the Library of Congress decided to replace the term “aliens” in its subject headings with “noncitizens,” and to replace the term “illegal alien” with “non-citizens” and “unauthorized immigration.” The Tri-Caucus – comprised of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus (CHC), the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC), and the Congressional Black Caucus (CBC) – also signed the letter.

Washington, DC- Today, the Congressional Hispanic Caucus (CHC) released the following statements opposing the reported plans by ICE to deport Central American refugees. The plans were first reported by Reuters yesterday.

The Congressional Hispanic Caucus has been denouncing these ICE removals since January. Among the Caucus’ efforts, the CHC released a statement in January opposing the raids, held a press conference, and requested a meeting with President Obama to discuss this issue. CHC Members also joined House Democrats in sending a letter to the Administration to express their concern on the removal of these mothers and children and called for Temporary Protected Status (TPS).

Washington, DC- Today, the Congressional Hispanic Caucus met with Speaker Paul Ryan. The purpose of the meeting was to discuss priorities important to the Latino community. At the top of the list was Puerto Rico. The meeting was productive and cordial.

The Congressional Hispanic Caucus has been fighting for the 3.5 million American citizens that reside in Puerto Rico and for an end to the economic and fiscal crisis on the Island. CHC Members urged the Speaker to swiftly usher through the House legislation on Puerto Rico that allows the Island to restructure a meaningful portion of its debt, provides for reasonable, respectful and independent oversight of Puerto Rico’s fiscal affairs, and does not include labor provisions that harm workers.

Washington, D.C. – Today, Congressional Hispanic Caucus (CHC) Members released the following statements on the Supreme Court’s 8-0 decision rejecting the one-person, one-vote rule. In the ruling, the Supreme Court determined that voting districts should continue to be drawn using census population data, and not changed to count only eligible-voting citizens.

In December, CHC Members issued statements and spoke out on the devastating effects the case would have on the Latino community.

Washington, D.C. – Today, the Congressional Hispanic Caucus (CHC) released the following statements on the Supreme Court vacancy. The statements follow today’s meeting between President Barack Obama, Vice President Joe Biden, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, Senate Minority Leader Harry Reid, Senate Judiciary Chairman Chuck Grassley, and Senate Judiciary Ranking Member Patrick Leahy.

Washington, D.C. – Today, Congressional Hispanic Caucus Members released the following statements on Evenwel v. Abbott. The Supreme Court heard oral arguments for the case today and CHC Members led a press conference outside the Court earlier this morning. Congressman Joaquin Castro (TX-20), Congressman Ruben Gallego (AZ-07), and Thomas Saenz from the Mexican American Legal Defense Fund (MALDEF) spoke on the devastating effects the case would have on the Latino community.

Washington, D.C. – Today, the Congressional Hispanic Caucus issued a statement of opposition to Donald Trump hosting Saturday Night Live. CHC Members issued the statement and follows an earlier statement made by the Chair on the inflammatory remarks made by Trump on the Mexican community.

The statement of opposition adopted by the Congressional Hispanic Caucus reads:

Whereas, Mr. Donald Trump has been invited to host Saturday Night Live on NBC on November 7, 2015;

Whereas, Saturday Night Live is a flagship program on a national network;

Washington, D.C. – Today, the Congressional Hispanic Caucus (CHC) released the following statements in anticipation of the Pope's Address to Congress tomorrow. Last year, the Hispanic Caucus sent a letter to His Holiness, inviting him to speak before a joint session of Congress. You can view the letter here.

CHC Chairwoman Linda T. Sánchez: "We look forward to hearing Pope Francis speak on a number of issues important to Latinos and working families – from juvenile justice to comprehensive immigration reform and the need to protect our environment. His Holiness and the Hispanic Caucus share a commitment to fighting for justice and civil rights and we believe his message of compassion is one that is critically needed in Congress right now."