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Federal Government Should Focus on Effective Immigration Enforcement

Federal Government Should Focus on Effective Immigration Enforcement

(Washington, D.C.) – The Department of Homeland Security has announced new measures and policies intended to increase detention and deportation of immigrants present in the United States without legal status.

Daniel Garza, President of The LIBRE Initiative, released the following statement:

“For the many thousands of families who have enjoyed relief from deportation under the DACA order, yesterday’s announcement makes clear that that status will continue. This decision allows Congress more time to consider and adopt a long-term approach through legislation. As we have always said, the problems in our immigration system are too large to be solved through executive actions alone, that are inherently temporary, and of limited scope.  There are better ways to address our immigration system than implementing policies focused solely on keeping people out.

Not only is a deportation-only approach woefully inadequate if our aim is to achieve a long-term solution of our nation’s complex immigration problems, but it is also enormously costly. The directives announced today will impose significant new costs on hard-pressed taxpayers, who will bear the cost of new detention facilities, for the hiring of thousands of new agents, and for the potential arrest and imprisonment of many immigrants who left so much behind to earn an opportunity at a better life. Congress and the president should work together to ensure the focus is not just on removing dangerous criminals, but also on promoting policies that make our immigration system more responsive to market needs and honoring the contributions immigrants have made to our nation since its founding.”

For Interviews with a representative from The LIBRE Initiative, please contact Brian Faughnan, 202-805-1581 or Wadi Gaitan, 202-853-4463

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