Immigration and Border Issues

WASHINGTON, D.C.— Congresswoman Linda T. Sánchez, Chair of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus (CHC) Immigration Task Force (Task Force), and Congressman Raul Ruiz, M.D., Chair of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus (CHC), today announced the CHC Immigration Principles for the 117^th Congress. These principles will inform the work of the CHC Task Force as it continues to partner with President-elect Joe Biden on immigration reform initiatives that will restore our values as a nation that welcomes immigrants. Prior to releasing the principles, Congresswoman Linda T. Sánchez, CHC Chairman Raul Ruiz, M.D. (CA-36), and other members of the CHC met with House Speaker Nancy Pelosi to discuss immigration as a priority under the Biden Administration with CHC leading the effort.

WASHINGTON, D.C.— Today, 112 Democratic lawmakers sent a letter led by the Congressional Hispanic Caucus (CHC) to President-elect Joe Biden to express their commitment to addressing immigration reform. The CHC and Democratic lawmakers stand ready to build a more humane and fair immigration system that permanently protects Dreamers and Temporary Protected Status-holders, provides a stable labor force to fuel economic growth, and reunites parents and their children separated at our southern border.

"The time to act on immigration reform is now. Our immigration system was broken before President Trump took office, but his administration advanced changes that eroded what was left of our system. These changes resulted in family separations, inhumane detention conditions that took the lives of migrant children, and discrimination against immigrants based on race,

WASHINGTON, D.C.—Today, Congressional Hispanic Caucus (CHC) Chairman Raul Ruiz, M.D. (CA-36) released the following statement on the Department of Justice Office of the Inspector General report on the Trump Administration's zero tolerance policy:

Washington, D.C.—Today, Congressional Hispanic Caucus (CHC) Chairman Raul Ruiz, M.D. (CA-36) released the statement below following President Trump's announcement that he will visit the border wall in the Rio Grande Valley on Tuesday:

"Today, President Trump will visit his failed border wall, acting in accordance with his four years of demonizing, dehumanizing, and scapegoating our immigrant communities. No amount of rewriting the past will erase Trump's failures. History will judge his Administration for their numerous crimes against humanity, including the ruthless separation of children from their families—many of whom have yet to be reunited," said Chairman Ruiz.

SAN ANTONIO, TX — Congressman Joaquin Castro (TX-20), Chairman of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus (CHC) issued the following statement on GAO's decision confirming President Trump's top DHS appointments were illegal:

"Last December, the Congressional Hispanic Caucus joined Homeland Security Chairman Bennie G. Thompson and Oversight and Government Reform Committee Chairwoman Carolyn Maloney in urging an emergency review of the legality of the appointments of Chad Wolf as Acting Secretary of Homeland Security and Ken Cuccinelli as the Senior Official Performing the Duties of the Deputy Secretary of Homeland Security.

Washington, D.C. — Today members of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus led by Chairman Joaquin Castro (TX-20) held a call with Hilton executives about the detention of migrant children in their hotels. After the call, Chairman Castro released the following statement:

"The Congressional Hispanic Caucus supports Hilton's commitment to stop using their hotels as detention centers that circumvent due process for migrant families and children," said Chairman Joaquin Castro, Congressional Hispanic Caucus.

"It is important for the entire hospitality industry to adopt a similar policy. Congress must not only investigate these incidents, but also take legislative action to prevent this cruel practice in the future." added Chairman Castro.

SAN ANTONIO—Congressional Hispanic Caucus Chair Joaquin Castro (TX-20) issued the following statement on the Supreme Court's ruling against President Trump's decision to end the DACA program:

"The Supreme Court ruled with the American people and immigrant families against the cruelty and unlawfulness of the Trump administration."

"Today is a victory for Dreamers, but also highlights the need for Congress to provide permanent protection from deportation. We've seen how the cruelty of President Trump has no limit and we expect the administration to continue its efforts to try and terminate the DACA program—we are committed to fighting for Dreamers and immigrant families.

SAN ANTONIO, TX — Congressman Joaquin Castro (TX-20), Chairman of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus (CHC) issued the following on the GAO report that CBP violated appropriations law:

"CBP broke the law, and it's outrageous. Last summer, Congress appropriated $112 million to CBP in emergency funding to help improve conditions for migrants at the border after multiple deaths in custody. Instead of ensuring all appropriated funds went to help vulnerable migrants in their custody, the Trump administration bought dog food and dirt bikes. It's absolutely appalling. Nearly one-hundred House Democrats joined CHC Members in opposing the supplemental bill and warned that it did not do enough to hold the administration accountable or stop the rampant human rights abuses at the border. We were correct. CBP's predictable conduct is unacceptable."

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