Rep. Watson Coleman Statement on DACA Termination
Today, Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman, Vice Ranking Member on the Committee on Homeland Security, released the following statement after Attorney General Jeff Sessions announced that President Trump will terminate the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals initiative:
“This Administration’s announcement to rescind the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) policy flies in the face of our nation’s values and interests, breaks the promise we made to thousands of families and undermines the programs proven nationwide benefits. Instead of making a true and concerted effort at immigration reform, the President sent Attorney General Sessions to the podium to break his promise to the over 800,000 men and women who only know this country as home.
This is a betrayal of the men and women who make up the fabric of this nation - the over 800,000 young people who are doctors, teacher and public servants. People like Alonso Guillen who gave his life trying to rescue victims of damages caused by Hurricane Harvey in Houston. This Administration isn’t interested in the invaluable contributions DREAMers make to our economy and communities, but instead, is focused on rallying the xenophobic base that fuels the flames of their discrimination.
The onslaught of injustice continues under this President and it is imperative that Congress does not sit idly by while this Administration continues to trample upon American values. The time for the tweets and empty statements is over. I am ready to work with my Republican colleagues on creating permanent protections for DREAMers. Republican House leadership must bring the DREAM Act to the floor for a vote. Hundreds of thousands of lives depend on it.”
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