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White House, Congress Should Seize Opportunity on Dreamers

(Washington, D.C.) – According to press reports, the White House and congressional Democratic leadership are negotiating the details of an omnibus spending bill that Congress is expected to consider in the days ahead. As part of these negotiations, leaders are considering proposals to fund border security proposals – including a wall – and protection for the Dreamers. The White House and congressional leaders have thus far been unable to come to agreement on the terms for protecting the Dreamers, in exchange for $25 billion in funding for border security, but one proposal that was reportedly discussed provided $25 billion to fund a border security in exchange for a pathway to citizenship for 1.8 million Dreamers.

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

“We have long said that Congress and the White House should come together on a bipartisan agreement to provide the certainty of permanent statutory relief for the Dreamers in exchange for enhanced security for our nation. While the details are not clear, it appears that some Members of Congress are willing to support the full border security request, along with permanent protection for the Dreamers. We believe this represents a great opportunity to act on both of these important priorities – which have the strong support of the American people. Congress and the White House should seize this chance to solve this issue and increase certainty and security.”

Brent Gardner, Chief Government Affairs Officer of Americans for Prosperity, released the following statement:

“If news reports are true that the White House and congressional Democrats discussed including in the omnibus appropriations bill $25 billion for President Trump’s border request in exchange for a permanent solution for Dreamers, then that’s an offer all parties should immediately accept.

“It’s time for all parties to come together to end the legal quagmire that is denying Dreamers the certainty of living their lives in the only country they ever called home. The time to get it done is now.”

Nathan Nascimento, Executive Vice President of Freedom Partners Chamber of Commerce, released the following statement:

“If a deal was on the table that offered both security at the border and permanent status for Dreamers, that’s a deal that Republicans, Democrats and President Trump should support. We cannot continue to allow politics to stand in the way of finding a solution to this problem. Dreamers grew up in America, add to our culture, contribute to the economy, serve in the military, and seek the opportunity to continue applying their skills and talents here. Congress owes them – and the country – a solution on this.”

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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