WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today 34 Republican members of Congress sent a letter to House Speaker Paul Ryan supporting the passage of a permanent legislative solution for recipients of Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) by the end of the year.
“DACA recipients — young people brought to America through no fault of their own — are contributing members of our communities and our economy,” they write. “For many, this is the only country they have ever known. They are American in every way but status.
“ … While we firmly believe Congress must work to address other issues within our broken immigration system, it is imperative that Republicans and Democrats come together to solve this problem now and not wait until next year.”
Their voices add to the growing momentum from conservatives for a legislative solution for Dreamers this year. Implementing a solution would take at least seven months.
“Republicans have an incredible opportunity here to lead, and it’s good to see them seizing it,” said Ali Noorani, Executive Director of the National Immigration Forum. “This letter is an important show of support from Republican votes the Speaker needs in order to keep the government open, fundamentally tipping the scale in favor of a solution in the funding agreement.
“Protection of DACA recipients is now a deeply bipartisan issue. They have the support of strong majorities of Trump voters, not to mention law enforcement, evangelicals, and business leaders, who want a solution.
“Legislation that protects and offers opportunities to these young people serves the interests of American workers and their families. Congress should move forward with a solution this year while the going’s good.”