Relief From Deportation a Priority for Hispanic Immigrants
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Relief From Deportation a Priority for Hispanic Immigrants
Leaders in Congress May Include It in Reform Package
(Washington, D.C.) – As leaders in the House of Representatives prepare to announce principles for immigration reform, it is being reported that relief from deportation for some undocumented immigrants will be part of the package. Representative Kevin McCarthy (CA), the third-ranking Member of the House leadership, recently said, "The principles aren't written yet, but in my personal belief, I think it'll go with legal status that will allow you to work and pay taxes."
A recent survey from Pew Research shows that for a majority of Hispanic immigrants, and a plurality of Asian immigrants, relief from deportation is the top priority. Immigrant communities and families around the country are currently experiencing economic problems and added stress due to the aggressive deportation policy being pursued by the current Administration.
Daniel Garza, Executive Director of The LIBRE Initiative released the following statement:
"Our immigration system is broken and it needs to be reformed. It's encouraging that Members of Congress are trying to reach across the aisle to make the system more employment-driven and market-based, to strengthen enforcement of our laws, and to address the 11 million who are here without legal authorization.
But no single person or side in this debate can define what counts as immigration reform. People must be ready to compromise, because intransigence will surely lead to failure. For a majority of Hispanic immigrants, the top priority is relief from deportation – a proposal favored by many in Congress. While LIBRE believes that a path to citizenship should remain an option for qualifying immigrants, deportation relief is the top priority for many, and we're encouraged that it's being put on the table for debate."
For interviews with a LIBRE representative, please contact: Judy Pino, 202-578-6424 or Brian Faughnan, 571-257-3309.