Click here for a recording of today’s press call (starts 1:03)
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today leaders in the Midwest implored Congress to pass a solution for Dreamers before the end of the year.
Representing faith, law enforcement and business perspectives, speakers agreed on a press call that a permanent legislative solution is urgent. More than 100 Dreamers lose work authorization and protection from deportation every day, a number that will rise to about 1,000 per day if no solution is implemented by the March 5 final sunset of Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA). A solution would take an estimated seven months or more to implement.
“The importance of Dreamers to our workforce and communities cannot be stressed enough,” said Ali Noorani, Executive Director of the National Immigration Forum. “The strong support from America’s heartland for these young immigrants reflects the desire across our nation for a constructive, compassionate solution now.”
The following are quotes from speakers on today’s call:
Liz Dong, Midwest Mobilizer, Evangelical Immigration Table and Bibles, Badges and Business for Immigration Reform, Wheaton, Illinois:
“For many Dreamers, the U.S. is the only home they know. For all of us, it’s the place we’ve established our roots. Without a legislative solution, my work authorization and my ability to continue my education are at risk. I respectfully urge Congress to allow us to stay in this place we call home so we can continue to study, work and give back to our communities.”
Greg Zoeller, former Indiana attorney general of Indiana; chairman, World Trade Center of Indiana; National Immigration Forum board member:
“We’re really calling on Congress to act. By anybody’s measure, I think today’s the day to call on Congress to act and show that they’re capable of moving forward. … If there were a bill that were just about Dreamers, I have no doubt that Hoosiers would be overwhelmingly supportive.”