Immigration and Border Issues
The Immigration and Border Issues Task Force provides a national voice and leadership with regard to immigration and border issues, both within the halls of Congress and on behalf of diverse communities across the United States.
Members:
Rep. Luis Gutiérrez, Co-Chair
Rep. Loretta Sanchez, Co-Chair
Rep. Joaquin Castro
Rep. Juan Vargas
Rep. Filemon Vela
Senator Robert Menendez
More on Immigration and Border Issues
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June 12, 2017
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.
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June 8, 2017
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.
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May 26, 2017
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.
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May 23, 2017
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.
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May 18, 2017
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.
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May 10, 2017
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.
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May 10, 2017
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Rep. Juan Vargas (CA-51), Congressional Hispanic Caucus (CHC) Chair Rep. Michelle Lujan and Members of the CHC sent a letter to U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Kelly calling for the immediate removal of Julie Kirchner as USCIS Ombudsman.
As stated in the letter, "Given that Ms. Kirchner has made a career of attacking immigrant communities, we find her appointment to be offensive, insensitive and malicious.
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May 5, 2017
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressional Hispanic Caucus (CHC) Chairwoman Rep.
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May 2, 2017
WASHINGTON, D.C. – In an effort to increase transparency, defend civil rights, and keep the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) accountable to their mission, the Chairs of the Congressional Tri-Caucus – Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC) Chair Rep. Judy Chu (CA-27), Congressional Black Caucus (CBC) Chair Rep. Cedric Richmond (LA-02), and the Congressional Hispanic Caucus (CHC) Chair Rep. Michelle Lujan Grisham (NM-01) – submitted three amendments to the omnibus funding bill and released the following joint statement:
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April 28, 2017
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressional Hispanic Caucus (CHC) Chairwoman Rep. Michelle Lujan Grisham released an analysis of the Trump's Administration negative impact on the Hispanic community.