WASHINGTON, D.C. — At a press conference this morning, Republican members of Congress urged a legislative solution for Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) recipients — this year.
Rep. Dan Newhouse (R-Washington) led the group, which included Reps. Don Bacon (R-Nebraska), Joe Barton (R-Texas), Susan Brooks (R-Indiana), Ryan Costello (R-Pennsylvania), Carlos Curbelo (R-Florida), John Faso (R-New York), Brian Fitzpatrick (R-Pennsylvania), Pete King (R-New York), Darrell Issa (R-California), Leonard Lance (R-New Jersey), Erik Paulsen (R-Minnesota), Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R-Florida) and Fred Upton (R-Michigan).
“No bill is going to be perfect, but inaction is just not acceptable,” Newhouse said. “… Our interest here is to move as quickly as possible.”
“It’s just common sense to do what’s in the best interest of the United States and allow DACA recipients to stay and earn a path to legal status,” Barton said.
Added Curbelo, “There is a compromise out there that can secure the future of these young people while keeping our border safe.”
“These young people are contributing in significant ways to our communities,” Brooks said. “… They have pledged allegiance to our flag and they are a part of this country.”
“This is a tailor-made problem for a bipartisan fix… I know this Congress can do it,” Bacon said.
The press conference follows support from major businesses, law enforcement leaders and faith groups such as the Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission of the Southern Baptist Convention urging legislative solutions for Dreamers.
“These members of Congress didn’t wait for the right moment to lead. They created the moment,” said Ali Noorani, Executive Director of the National Immigration Forum. “Today’s sense of urgency from rank-and-file members of Congress demonstrates that they understand the very real impact of the decision to rescind DACA on the lives of so many hardworking young people.”