WASHINGTON, D.C. — Dreamers, coalition partners and two Republican congressmen urged lawmakers to advance a bipartisan immigration deal at a Capitol Hill press conference earlier today (video here).
Rep. Dan Newhouse (R-Washington) and Rep. Will Hurd (R-Texas) joined the Forum, The LIBRE Initiative, Americans For Prosperity, FWD.us, Freedom Partners, Bipartisan Policy Center, U.S. Chamber of Commerce and UnidosUs, as well as dozens of Dreamers, to call for permanent immigration legislation that pairs a permanent solution for Dreamers with funds to enhance security along our border.
The following are quotes from participants in today’s press conference:
Bernardo Castro, Utah Dreamer:
“I’m here in Washington to call on our leaders to support a permanent legislative solution for Dreamers. DACA has allowed me to thrive in this great country I call home, and I would like to continue to grow here.”
Dina Estrada, South Carolina Dreamer:
“We need to encourage and expose our representatives to the reality that we live for our communities. And we will continue to do so. We need a permanent solution to this limbo — now. We truly appreciate the opportunities we have received through DACA, but imagine if we unleashed the potential of all of our kids instead of keeping it hostage.”
Juan Maturino, Illinois Dreamer:
“We’re standing in solidarity for those who don’t have a voice. We want a Dreamer solution now.”
Fia Vonjimalala, Illinois Dreamer:
“We ask Congress to please pass a solution for Dreamers and security for our country, because we are grateful to this country and the opportunity it has given us to serve.”
Jacinta Ma, Director of Policy and Advocacy, National Immigration Forum
“DACA and TPS recipients have been contributing members of our communities for many years, and are still waiting for a legislative solution that will provide them the certainty they need so they can be confident that they are truly a part of the country that they know as home. The National Immigration Forum calls on Congress to work together and advance a bipartisan solution that will ensure our national security and address the situation of Dreamers and Temporary Protected Status recipients.”