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
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressional Hispanic Caucus (CHC) Chairwoman Rep. Michelle Lujan Grisham joined other members of the CHC in sending a letter asking for an immediate meeting with the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Acting Commissioner Kevin K. McAleenan to discuss the implementation of President Trump's executive orders on immigration enforcement and reports that those orders have led to significant and troubling changes at the US-Mexico border, in border communities and at ports of entry, specifically airports.
The letter states that CHC members want answers to troubling reports of changes to operating protocols and added that "it is critical that our Members receive information on any changes CBP has undertaken or will be conducting in the near future."
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressional Hispanic Caucus (CHC) Chair Rep. Michelle Lujan Grisham released the following statement on the apprehension of Daniela Vargas, a Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) recipient who now faces deportation after speaking at a news conference in Mississippi:
Washington, D.C. – Virginia Democrats Congressman Don Beyer and Senator Tim Kaine joined Democratic Caucus Vice Chair Congresswoman Linda Sanchez and Congressional Hispanic Caucus Chair Congresswoman Michelle Lujan Grisham yesterday, with other elected officials and immigrants and leaders in immigration policy and advocacy, at the site of a recent ICE crackdown to decry President Trump's abhorrent immigration Executive Orders and call for thoughtful, fair immigration policy.
According to recent news reports, ICE agents targeted Rising Hope Mission Church when they allegedly apprehended at least six men in close proximity to the church.
Reverend Dr. Keary Kincannon opened the conference by pointing out that the space was not only a church - it was a shelter for people at risk of hypothermia.
WASHINGTON, D.C. –Congressional Hispanic Caucus (CHC) Chair Rep. Michelle Lujan Grisham released the following statement on President Trump's comment that the time is right for an immigration bill:
"We've been ready."
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Congressional Hispanic Caucus Chairwoman Rep. Michelle Lujan Grisham released the following statement in response to efforts by the Trump Administration to open the door to mass deportations of immigrants:
"The Trump Administration has chosen a dangerous and unrealistic strategy to indiscriminately punish as many immigrants as possible, regardless of whether they pose a real threat. As a result, the President's actions will likely make communities less safe as he drives immigrants into the shadows, afraid to report crimes in their communities.
"We should be working together to pass comprehensive immigration reform, while working to keep non-violent immigrants and their families together."
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressional Hispanic Caucus (CHC) Chairwoman Rep. Michelle Lujan Grisham released the following statement on the unprecedented lack of transparency by the Administration regarding their immigration priorities:
"The Trump Administration's lack of communication and transparency about its immigration priorities is leading to mass hysteria in communities across the nation. The Hispanic Caucus continues to advocate for clear answers and consistency from the administration so we can effectively represent our communities.
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressional Hispanic Caucus (CHC) Chair Michelle Lujan Grisham released the following statement on U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement's (ICE) recent enforcement activity and to news that Daniel Ramirez Medina, a young man with a work permit and deferred action granted under the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) initiative was apprehended in Seattle, Washington during an ICE enforcement activity.
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressional Hispanic Caucus Chairwoman Michelle Lujan Grisham joined other members of Congress to send a letter demanding a meeting with U.S. Immigration and Customs and Enforcement Acting Director Thomas D. Homan to discuss the impact of recent nationwide immigration raids in communities across the nation.
Rep. Michelle Lujan Grisham (NM-01) was joined by Rep. Zoe Lofgren (CA-19), Rep. John Conyers (MI-13), Rep. Luis Gutierrez (IL-4), Rep. Judy Chu (CA-27), Rep. Lucille Roybal-Allard (CA-40).
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressional Hispanic Caucus Chairwoman Michelle Lujan Grisham released the following statement on a letter sent to the Israeli Ambassador to the United States Ron Dermer, about Israeli Prime Minister using Twitter on Saturday evening to praise President Trump's executive order authorizing construction of a wall along the U.S.-Mexico border:
"We express our disappointment and deep concern with Prime Minister Netanyahu's statement. While Israel and the United States are steadfast partners in many areas, including security cooperation, the current debate within the United States over immigration and border security is beyond the scope of the U.S-Israel security relationship. Indeed, statements like Prime Minister Netanyahu's tweet are inflammatory and detrimental to U.S.-Mexico relations.
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressional Hispanic Caucus Chairwoman Michelle Lujan Grisham introduced the "Build Bridges Not Walls Act," which would prohibit the implementation of President Trump's executive order to build a wall along the U.S.-Mexico border
"The people who know the border the best, whether it's companies or lawmakers, both Republicans and Democrats, border communities, trade groups, economists, and law enforcement officials, all agree that building a wall is unnecessary, impractical, ineffective, and a complete waste of time and taxpayer money," said Rep. Lujan Grisham. "This bill protects taxpayers by stopping the funding for a wall that is not needed and from any other attempts by the President to fund similar orders."