WASHINGTON, D.C. — After this weeklong recess, lawmakers who prioritize bipartisan immigration legislation that protects Dreamers will have the longstanding support of constituents across the spectrum.
Veterans, faith, law enforcement and business leaders from across the U.S. have underscored the urgency of legislation that provides a permanent solution for Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) recipients and other Dreamers, highlighting the countless ways Dreamers contribute to local communities and economies. The status of hundreds of thousands of DACA recipients remains in limbo as the legal battle over the program continues.
In addition to the recent quotes below, a larger collection is available here.
Pastor Caleb Campbell, Desert Springs Bible Church, Phoenix:
“It is absolutely essential that our Congress act with urgency to provide a permanent legislative solution for Dreamers, like those who serve in my church and strengthen our community. With protections for many Dreamers expiring every day, I support any bipartisan efforts that provide our Dreamers with a pathway to citizenship that can pass both the House and the Senate. It is my prayer that our members of Congress will act quickly and compassionately to resolve this issue.”
Kent Fuchs, President, University of Florida:
“I don’t speak up on many national issues, but I do when they’re of critical importance to the future of the university, its students and its mission, which is to educate students who will make a difference in the economy of our state and our nation as well. … Our undocumented students are some of our best, and a pathway to citizenship is in the best interest not only of those students and our universities, but the state of Florida and our nation.”
Sheriff Ed Gonzalez, Harris County, Texas:
“Congress owes all Americans a bipartisan, permanent solution for Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA). A solution for Dreamers is also a solution for American workers, businesses, law enforcement, churches, our military, and entire communities. Dreamers are our neighbors, our co-workers, our friends. It is past time for our Congress to rise above the political rhetoric and demonstrate true leadership on this urgent issue.”
Janikke Klem, Vice President of Community Relations, Technology Credit Union, San Jose, California:
“One quarter of DACA recipients are pursuing post-secondary education. They represent a domestic source of intellectual capital that will work in different tech jobs, from start-ups to global corporations. Immigration has long been a source of strength for America’s innovation economy and DACA recipients contribute to this economic vitality. A recent survey reveals that half of America’s startups valued at $1 billion or more were started by immigrants. Immigration policies like DACA help ensure that we are able to continue to retain the best global talent and grow American jobs. Because of this, we call on Congress to pass permanent legislation such as the bipartisan DREAM Act.”
Dr. Russell Moore, President of the Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission of the Southern Baptist Convention, Brentwood, Tennessee:
“It is long past time for Congress to work together to find a workable solution for our broken immigration system — especially for the hundreds of thousands of young, undocumented immigrants who were brought to our country by their parents. Many of these Dreamers have stepped forward in good faith. Congress should respond with a legislative solution that delivers on the promises made to these men and women and protects them from perpetual uncertainty. Let’s pray for a fair solution that highlights both justice and compassion.”
Jordan Morales, U.S. Air Force Veteran, Lexington, South Carolina:
“As an Air Force veteran and staunch Republican, national security is a priority issue for me. That’s why I strongly believe that we need the DACA community looking to secure their place among us through military service, especially to fill critically staffed career fields that we desperately need to keep the homeland safe. The contributions that these people make through military service, as well as their economic and community contributions, are priceless.”
Police Chief Mike Tupper, Marshalltown, Iowa:
“As a police chief of a small but very diverse community in central Iowa, I see the end of DACA as a very destabilizing force in my community, and frankly the negative conversation around immigration has been a destabilizing force in my community and all of our communities. Local law enforcement across the country works very hard to engage the public and build trust. When Dreamers, and all immigrants, feel safe engaging with local police, all of our communities are safer.”