Grassroots, D.C. Events Build Support for Protecting Dreamers

(Arlington, VA) – Although no legislative action to protect the Dreamers is scheduled in Congress in the immediate future, The LIBRE Initiative continues to hold events and build support for action. With the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas and the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia both expected to issue major DACA decisions in the weeks ahead, grassroots events held this week in Texas, New Mexico, and Arizona – as well as a Capitol Hill event – drew large audiences from people who support permanent protection for the Dreamers. Attendees heard from policy experts, activists, and elected officials – including Representative Jeff Denham (R-CA) and Senator James Lankford (R-OK) – about efforts to pass legislation that confers legal status on the Dreamers and enhances border security.

Sen. Lankford and Rep. Denham address DACA Policy Forum on Capitol Hill

Daniel Garza and Jorge Martinez at a grassroots event in Texas

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

“Despite the efforts of Dreamer advocates in Congress, these young people brought here through no fault of their own continue to deal with great uncertainty. Without congressional action, their future – for now – is in the hands of the courts. And no one can predict when a final decision is likely, or whether it will reopen DACA enrollment, or terminate the program, or fall somewhere in between. With no confidence in their future, there is no way to plan, and no way to fully contribute to their communities. Simply put, Congress needs to act.

If Congress does not enact a balanced, bipartisan solution that protects Dreamers and enhances border security, tremendous uncertainty is just around the corner. When these legal challenges are decided, it will affect the Dreamers, their families, their communities, and the agencies charged with enforcing our laws. Congress is empowered to make and reform our immigration laws. This is the time to do so.”

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