Immigration and Border Issues

Washington, D.C. – Representative Linda T. Sánchez (CA-38), Chairwoman of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus (CHC), today released the following statement following the results of the 2016 election:

"This election yielded a lot of hurt and divisive rhetoric. The Latino community was scapegoated for political gain. We know there is fear and angst, especially in the undocumented immigrant community, but we are still with you. For the past 40 years, the Congressional Hispanic Caucus has served as the voice and conscience of the Latino community on Capitol Hill. We will not give up on this work, and we will never give up on the community.

Washington, D.C. – Today, Congressional Hispanic Caucus Chairwoman Linda T. Sánchez released the following statement on the fourth anniversary of the implementation of President Obama’s Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program. To date, the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has approved temporary reprieve from deportation and a renewable two-year work permit for 819,512 DACA participants.

“Four years ago, the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program changed the lives of so many young, talented, and hard-working immigrants. Imagine thousands of young people eager for the chance to work and contribute to our communities without living in fear of deportation. DACA is about making that dream a reality.

Washington, D.C. – Today, Congressional Hispanic Caucus (CHC) Members released the following statements on the U.S. v. Texas ruling. The 4-4 tie means that President Obama’s Deferred Action for Parents of Americans and Lawful Permanent Residents (DAPA) and the expansion of Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) cannot move forward for implementation.

Earlier today, Members of the CHC spoke outside the Supreme Court. You can catch their press conference remarks here.

Washington, D.C. – Today, the Congressional Hispanic Caucus (CHC) released the following statements denouncing Rep. Paul Gosar’s (R-AZ) amendment to the 2016 defense funding bill, which would prevent undocumented young people brought to the United States as children – known as DREAMers – from serving in the military. Currently, select individuals can serve under special circumstances.

Rep. Gosar is leading a group of far-right Republicans, including Reps. Steve King (R-IA) and Mo Brooks (R-AL) in an effort to remove bipartisan compromise language from the NDAA that confirms that the Secretary of Defense has the ability to use his broad discretionary power to enlist immigrants – including beneficiaries of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program – if he determines it is in the national interest.

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 U.S. v. Texas oral arguments. The Supreme Court is hearing oral arguments on expanded Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) and Deferred Action for Parents of Americans and Lawful Permanent Residents (DAPA).

The Congressional Hispanic Caucus led the push for the immigration executive actions and together with House Democrats, has been fighting to protect them since the President’s announcement in November 2014. The case could affect millions of citizens and non-citizens, many of whom are Latino.