Lipinski: Congress Should Pass Bipartisan BRIDGE Act on DACA

Source: House Representative Daniel Lipinski (D-IL, 3rd)

Washington, D.C. - September 5, 2017 (The Ponder News) -- In response to President Trump’s announcement that he will be ending DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals), Congressman Dan Lipinski (IL-3) is renewing his call for Congress to pass H.R. 496, the BRIDGE (Bar Removal of Individuals who Dream and Grow our Economy) Act, which would protect recipients of DACA from the threat of deportation. Rep. Mike Coffman (CO-6), the author of the bill, has limited co-sponsorship by Democrats to those who could also gain the support of a Republican co-sponsor. Four months ago, Lipinski became only the 13th Democratic co-sponsor when he was able to bring on Republican Rep. Fred Upton (MI-6) as a supporter.



“President Trump had said that he would ‘deal with DACA with heart,’ but now it is up to Congress to act to protect these young immigrants,” said Rep. Lipinski. “Congress can do that by passing the bipartisan BRIDGE Act which would ensure that DACA recipients continue to be protected from deportation. I have always focused on bringing people together to solve problems, so earlier this year I proactively reached across the aisle to secure Rep. Upton’s support for this bill, which enabled me to also sign on as a cosponsor. I am hopeful that others join in this bipartisan effort to do what most Americans agree is the right thing to do.”

The BRIDGE Act would grant those eligible under DACA three years of legal protection. DACA provides temporary protection from removal – as well as work authorization – to people who were brought to the United States as children, as long as they register with the government, pay a fee, and pass a criminal background check. More than 752 thousand individuals have received DACA authorization.

Under the BRIDGE Act, a current DACA recipient would receive provisional protected presence until the expiration date of his or her DACA status and could apply for continued protected presence prior to that expiration. Applicants would be required to pay a reasonable fee, undergo criminal background checks, and meet a number of eligibility criteria indicating that they came to the United States as minors, grew up in this country, have pursued an education, have not committed any serious crimes, and do not pose a threat to our country. An individual’s provisional protected presence and employment authorization would be subject to revocation by the Department of Homeland Security if it is determined that the individual no longer meets the eligibility criteria. The BRIDGE Act would provide provisional protected presence and employment authorization for three years after the date of enactment of the legislation.

Lipinski’s leadership on the BRIDGE Act has drawn praise from those concerned about the plight of those who have been given an opportunity under DACA.

“The North American Institute for Mexican Advancement (NAIMA) understands that building support for immigration issues also requires the support of centrist legislators such as Congressman Dan Lipinski,” said NAIMA President Sergio Suarez. “After meeting with the Congressman, NAIMA applauds his endorsement of the Bridge Act in support of DACA youth. Rep. Lipinski’s support, along with his work to identify a Republican colleague to join as a co-sponsor of the bill, is a significant move in support of immigrant families.”

More on Trump Ending DACA

Source: House of Representatives

In June 2012, the Obama Administration established the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) to provide temporary lawful status for children brought unlawfully to the United States. As of September 2016, more than 750,000 DACA requests were accepted.

On June 29th, ten state attorneys general sent a letter to Attorney General Jeff Sessions calling for the Secretary of Homeland Security (DHS) to phase out the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program. The letter gives the administration until today to rescind the program or else the attorneys general would expand ongoing litigation (Texas v. United States) to include DACA in hopes that a federal court would strike it down.

The administration has indicated new applications for work permits under DACA will not be accepted. All existing work permits will be honored until their date of expiration, and applications that are already in the pipeline will be processed.

Below are Statements from House Representatives about DACA.

House Representative Daniel Kildee (D-MA, 5th):

“The Trump Administration’s decision to end DACA is heartbreaking. DREAMers grew up in the United States, brought here by their parents through no fault of their own, and we cannot turn our backs on them. They have registered with the government, pay income taxes and give back to the communities they live in. America is their only home.

“DREAMers make significant contributions to our economy. Nearly all DREAMers are in the workforce or in school. Our economy stands to lose hundreds of billions of dollars annually if these individuals are deported. This is not a partisan issue; business leaders and Republicans have joined Democrats in speaking out in opposition to ending DACA.

“Congress can and must act to fix our broken immigration system, including passing legislation to protect DREAMers. I have previously sponsored legislation to provide a permanent solution for these children to stay in America, become citizens and continue contributing to our country. Speaker Ryan should immediately act on legislation protecting these children from deportation. Congress failing to act will mean that Republicans are just as much to blame as President Trump for this cruel and un-American policy.”



House Representative Adam Kinzinger (R-IL, 16th)

“America is a nation of laws, and it is the sole responsibility of Congress to create and pass legislation. President Obama bypassed Congress when he originally created the program, but in so doing, he offered a pathway for these individuals to get right with the law. In 2015, I voted to support DACA because I believe these children, who only know America to be their home, deserve an opportunity to be here legally.

“With that said, Congress now has an opportunity to act on immigration reform and we have the support here to do it. As a cosponsor of H.R. 1468, the Recognizing America’s Children (RAC) Act, it is my hope that the House will consider this legislation, sponsored by my friend and colleague Rep. Carlos Curbelo (R-FL), so we can act on this important issue sooner rather than later. It’s critical that we act on a permanent, legislative solution that allows these immigrants, individuals who have come out of the shadows and contributed to our society and economy, to stay here legally.”



House Representative Ann Kuster (D-NH, 2nd)

“I’m deeply disappointed by President Trump’s decision to end DACA, which allows people brought to the United States as children the opportunity to work legally and live without fear of deportation,” said Congresswoman Kuster. “The young people protected by DACA are contributing to our nation in countless ways: they are serving in our military, paying taxes, and helping to create jobs and grow our economy. Diversity strengthens our fabric as a nation and this ill-advised decision is nothing more than political pandering that will hurt real people and families. Congress must act as soon as possible to reform our broken immigration system and extend protections to Dreamers across the country, including the hundreds in New Hampshire.”



House Representative Doug Lamborn (R-CO, 5th)

"After eight years of the Obama administration dismantling our immigration laws, I’m encouraged by the President’s commitment to cracking down on illegal immigration, securing our borders, and reversing the unconstitutional DACA program. I have always opposed any type of amnesty and will continue to do so. But I also want to find meaningful solutions to this difficult problem, solutions that uphold the rule of law, protect our country, and ensure fairness in our immigration processes. I look forward to working with my colleagues in the House and Senate over the next six months to achieve these objectives and fix our broken immigration system."



House Representative Leonard Lance (R-NJ, 7th)

“Like many of my colleagues I agree that President Obama exceeded his Constitutional authority and disregarded existing law to implement his plan for undocumented immigrants.

“Today President Trump has called on Congress to act and rightfully so. To this end, I am cosponsoring legislation that would provide a workable, permanent legislative solution for those individuals who entered our country unlawfully as children with their undocumented parents.

“Over the coming weeks I intend to work closely with my colleagues and the Administration to pass meaningful immigration reforms that will secure our borders, strengthen employment verification and provide a workable path for 'Dreamers' with DACA status.”

NOTE: Lance is cosponsoring H.R. 1468, the "Recognizing America's Children Act." The bill would grant high school graduates without a serious criminal record — and who don’t rely on public assistance — conditional immigration status. If, over a five-year period, they earn a higher-education degree, serve in the military or stay employed, they could apply for permanent residency and, eventually, citizenship. Enlisted military personnel would get to seek naturalization immediately. This bill is sponsored by Congressman Carlos Curbelo of Florida.



House Representative Jim Langevin (D-RI, 2nd)

“Today marks a sad chapter in our country’s history. President Trump’s decision to end the DACA program is a victory for anti-immigrant ideologues and further evidence of his Administration’s general lack of empathy. DACA participants are not criminals. Their average age of immigration to the U.S. is six and half years old, and it would be a miscarriage of justice for us to punish them for their parents’ decisions.

“Implementing today’s executive action will cause devastation to youth who are active members of Rhode Island’s communities and who strive for a better future. DACA recipients work, go to school, contribute to our economy, and serve in our military. They should not live in fear of deportation, rather they should be embraced as patriotic individuals who have always considered America their home.

“During the next six months, I will do everything in my power to protect DACA recipients from the Administration’s cruel actions and to find a permanent legislative solution to fix our broken immigration system compassionately and effectively.”



House Representative Rick Larsen (D-WA, 2nd)

“If reports are true that the administration will delay ending DACA for six months, then Congress must act soon and pass legislation to make the program permanent. The administration is not off the hook, however. It still must sign a bill Congress passes. I will work to get a bill that maintains this vital program on the administration's desk.”

Larsen is a cosponsor of the American Hope Act of 2017, a bill that aims to protect Dreamers and DACA recipients from deportation and gives them the opportunity to apply for residency status if certain requirements are met.



House Representative John B. Larson (D-CT, 1st)

“DREAMers were brought here as minors through no fault of their own, and have attended our schools, worked in our communities and have abided by the strict rules of the DACA program. Instead of supporting them, and allowing them to continue on a path towards citizenship, President Trump is stripping 800,000 young people of their legal status. In addition, this will have an enormous effect on our economy. There are 10,000 DACA recipients in CT. If these young people are no longer able to work, and contribute to the CT economy, we can expect an annual GDP loss of $315 million. This decision by the Trump Administration is unnecessary, cruel and harmful. Congress must act now to provide relief for DREAMers. I stand ready to work with my colleagues on a fix and call on Speaker Ryan to act quickly on a solution. I support the efforts of Senators Durbin and Graham in the Senate and its counterpart in the House introduced by Rep. Roybal-Allard. I plan on cosponsoring the Dream Act of 2017. We need to pass legislation to make DACA permanent for DREAMers,”



House Representative Barbara Lee (D-CA 13th)

“The United States of America is, has been, and will always be a nation of immigrants. As such, our immigration policies should be focused on keeping families together, not tearing them apart.

“Undocumented students who were brought to the U.S. through no fault of their own are working, going to school, living their lives, and contributing billions to the American economy. For five years, the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program has allowed these innocent young adults to remain united with their families and safely reside in their communities.

“Ending DACA in order to deport its nearly 800,000 recipients is cruel and heartless. Instead of devastating families, President Trump and Republicans should be working toward comprehensive immigration reform to permanently fix our broken immigration system.

“Since President Trump has abandoned these young people, Congress must have the courage to do the right thing. I call on my colleagues to pass bipartisan legislation that will give qualified DACA recipients a path to citizenship and move to stop the raids by ICE and CBP in our communities, which undermine public safety and erode trust between local law enforcement and immigrant communities.”



House Representative Sander Levin (D-MI, 9th)

“President Trump’s decision is reprehensible.

“Instead of taking the lead and pledging to work with Congress to make sure that 800,000 young people can live out their dreams in the only nation they have really known, the President puts forth the whip of deportation.

“Congress must now work together and act because this not what America stands for, not only for 800,000 dreamers, but for all of us in America as each of us lives out our own dreams, as did those who came before us.”



House Representative Ted Lieu (D-CA, 33rd)

“As an immigrant to the United States brought here when I was three years old, I know that our nation’s embrace of immigrants is what makes it great. Trump's cowardly decision to end DACA goes against the very forces that have made America an exceptional country. Deporting hundreds of thousands of Asians and Latinos—nearly half of whom were brought to the U.S. before the age of 7—is not only cruel, it will hurt our economy. One report estimates an economic loss of $460 billion over the next decade. I stand firmly with my Democratic colleagues to fight this action and do whatever we can to protect DREAMers. I call on Speaker Ryan to work with Democrats to extend the DACA program through legislation.”



House Representative Daniel Lipinski (D-IL, 3rd)

“President Trump had said that he would ‘deal with DACA with heart,’ but now it is up to Congress to act to protect these young immigrants,” said Rep. Lipinski. “Congress can do that by passing the bipartisan BRIDGE Act which would ensure that DACA recipients continue to be protected from deportation. I have always focused on bringing people together to solve problems, so earlier this year I proactively reached across the aisle to secure Rep. Upton’s support for this bill, which enabled me to also sign on as a cosponsor. I am hopeful that others join in this bipartisan effort to do what most Americans agree is the right thing to do.”



House Representative Zoe Lofgren (D-CA, 19th)

“President Trump’s cancellation of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program creates a moral emergency for our nation. Some 800,000 DACA recipients brought to the United States as children are today vital members of our communities and economy. They are as American as any of us – except for paperwork. President Trump’s decision to turn his back on them betrays our national character.

“The threat of court proceedings is an inadequate excuse. President Trump has never been reluctant to go to court when he thinks it would benefit him. In this instance, over 100 law professors recently affirmed that “the legal authority for the Executive Branch to operate DACA…is crystal clear.”[1]

“The impetus for the President’s action seems just as clear: an extremist, racist agenda. Seventy-eight percent of Americans oppose the deportation of such young people. [2] However, groups tied to the white nationalist movement have long sought DACA’s destruction.[3] Once again, President Trump seems to bend to the will of extremists rather than mainstream Americans, just as he did while condoning white supremacists in Charlottesville.

“Congress must stop this mass deportation of innocent young people. Democratic lawmakers already stand united in our support for DACA recipients, as we do in rejecting attempts to use them as props in broader anti-immigrant legislation. The Dream Act of 2017 (H.R. 3440), which I proudly co-sponsored, would grant them the legal status and path to citizenship that they deserve. The only question is whether Republicans will join the right side of history.

“The moral stakes could not be higher. The fate of some 800,000 of our nation’s young people who will forever consider America home hangs in the balance.”



House Representative Barry Loudermilk (R-GA, 11th)

“Congress must secure our borders, overhaul the convoluted immigration system, and effectively enforce the laws. Tweaks by Congress, and executive orders by various administrations, have created an immigration policy that favors illegal immigration and punishes those who want to legally come here to work. President Barack Obama's executive order was outside the constitutional authority of the executive branch, and I agree with President Trump's decision to reverse the order and call on Congress to fundamentally reform our immigration policy."



House Representative Nita Lowey (D-NY, 17th)

“President Trump’s decision to end the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program is immoral and wrong. DREAMers, who were brought to the United States as children, are Americans in the eyes of their communities. They grow up alongside our children, have graduated from school or served in the military, pay billions in taxes, and contribute to our economic growth and competitiveness.

“Today’s announcement continues a pattern of anti-immigrant actions and policies by the Republican Party. In an undemocratic and underhanded move, majority leadership stripped from an upcoming spending package a bipartisan provision, introduced by Appropriations Democrats, that makes DACA recipients eligible for federal jobs.

“It is past time for comprehensive immigration reform that gives these young people a path to citizenship while reforming our nation’s broken immigration laws, keeping families together, and protecting our economy and our borders.”



House Representative Ben R. Lujan (D-NM, 3rd)

DACA has enabled nearly 800,000 talented young people to contribute more fully to this country. They’re nurses, engineers, small business owners, our friends and our neighbors. These young people came to the United States under the age of 16, some of them only a year or two old. They grew up in the U.S., going to our public schools, singing the Star Spangled Banner, pledging allegiance to the only flag they’ve ever known: the American flag.”

“Since 2012, the 9,000 DREAMers in New Mexico have not had to live in fear of deportation. If the Trump administration moves ahead with this mean-spirited attempt to repeal DACA, those young people and their families will once again risk being torn apart.

I will oppose any attempt by the Trump administration to end DACA and rip these young people away from the country in which they have grown up and that they love and respect. Tearing families apart to achieve a political end does not reflect American values and will not solve our immigration problems.”



House Representative Carolyn Maloney (D-NY, 12th)

“Since 2012, when DACA was first launched, nearly 800,000 young people have been enrolled in the program. DACA helped breathe life into the American dream for a generation of people who came to the United States as children seeking a better future, just as earlier generations of Americans did so. These individuals are our neighbors and friends who have grown up here in the United States, who have done nothing wrong, and have only ever known the United States as their home. Before DACA, these young people had lived in the shadows of our communities. Since DACA began, these good-hearted Americans have come forward in hopes of being granted fully legal status and the chance to continue making positive contributions to their communities and our country without fear of deportation.

“DACA participants bring real economic benefits to our states and nation. A recent Center for American Progress assessment found that ending the DACA program would remove at least $460.3 billion from the U.S. GDP, cumulatively over a decade.

“I will continue to do all I can to protect DREAMers and reverse this decision as we continue to work toward real, comprehensive immigration reform. The BRIDGE Act and the American Hope Act are good places to start. House Republican leadership should allow votes on these important pieces of legislation. It is our diversity and opportunity that makes this country so great, and I hope all my colleagues will take that to heart.”



House Representative Sean Patrick Maloney (D-NY, 18th)

“In America we don’t punish children for the sins of their parents. These kids only know life in America, they work hard, they do things the right way, and make a contribution to our country. It is a cruel and stupid idea to ship these children to some country they barely remember and throw away their talents all because their parents did something wrong a long time ago.

“Folks in Congress need to get off their butts and pass a comprehensive fix for our broken immigration system that will secure our borders, get folks out of the shadows, and solve this problem once and for all.”



House Representative Roger Marshall (R-KS, 1st)

"The young people covered by DACA are not just a statistic on a DHS report. These are friends of my children, brothers and sisters of babies I’ve delivered, and members of my community. They didn’t put themselves in this position, and my heart goes out to them.

The United States is in this position due to the unilateral approach the previous administration took toward enacting DACA. It is because of that one-sided approach that we now have uncertainty and inconsistency throughout the entire immigration system. Consistency should be the hallmark of American governance.

Our resources, especially as they pertain to deportation, must remain focused on getting rid of bad people who present a danger to the American citizen – not a young person who is here simply due to circumstance. To date, 787,000 young people have legally registered with the U.S. government, and showed their willingness to follow our laws. We cannot allow that information to now be used against them in reverse order.

We are having these conversations now in Congress. Just a month ago, a Democrat colleague of mine and I got a bipartisan group of freshmen Members of Congress in a room to discuss what we can do to move forward on bipartisan, thoughtful solutions to the crises many communities and families are now facing.

Congress must use legal, legislative avenues to figure out how to help these young people, so long as they follow our laws. My priorities on this issue have always been, and will remain, to secure the border and help develop a workable visa for our farmers and producers back home. We must do right by them, by these young people and the safety of the American public."



House Representative Michael T. McCaul (R-TX, 10th)

“The administration's announcement today restores the rule of law. As I have said many times, immigration changes can only be made by an Act of Congress as enumerated in Article 1, Sections 1 and 8 of the Constitution; not through executive action as the prior administration did. This is the only way to adhere to and respect the separation of powers. Congress is already taking steps to improve our immigration enforcement and border security, and I look forward to continuing to work with this administration.”

Read more on Page 2

REP. KHANNA STANDS WITH DREAMERS, DISMISSES TRUMP IMMIGRATION POLICY

Source: House Representative Ro Khanna (D-CA, 17th)

Rep. Ro Khanna (CA-17) issued the following statement in response to the Trump Administration announcing a wind down of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program.

“Since 2012, nearly 800,000 young people who immigrated to this country have had the opportunity to go to school, gain employment, and continue on with their lives minus the fear of deportation. Today, the Trump Administration once again shows it has no dignity for our friends, neighbors, and colleagues. We must safeguard the livelihood of DREAMers and provide these inspiring young people and their courageous parents a pathway to citizenship.”

DACA Facts and Figures

222,795 – number of DACA recipients in California

$11.62 million – estimated annual GDP loss from removing DACA workers in California

AAPI students account for 40 percent of the DREAMers in the University of California system

Congressman Khanna represents the 17th District of California, which covers communities in Silicon Valley.

Trump Ends DACA, Gets Criticism as Usual

Source: House Representative David Cicilline (D-RI, 1st)
Source: House Representative Emanuel Cleaver (D-MO, 5th)
Source: House Representative Ted Lieu (D-CA, 33rd)

Washington, D.C. - September 5, 2017 (The Ponder News) -- In 2012, President Obama established DACA to protect young undocumented immigrants from deportation. Those protected by DACA, also called DREAMers, met several requirements including being under 16 when arriving in the United States; being enrolled in school or having completed high school or earned a general education development (GED) certificate; and posing no threat to public safety. Since DACA’s inception, nearly 800,000 individuals have received DACA protection, though it is estimated that 1.7 million young immigrants are DACA-eligible.

U.S. Congressman David N. Cicilline (D-RI), a member of the House Judiciary Committee, issued the following statement on Friday as President Trump threatened to end the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) initiative that protects people who came to the United States as children:

“If the President chooses to end DACA, he will be tearing apart families and disrupting entire communities. He will cost our economy $460 billion over the next decade. And he will make it even more difficult for Congress to pass a comprehensive solution that fixes our broken immigration system.”

“The President’s decision will impact millions of people who are living in the United States today. The President needs to stop playing games with people’s lives. His public indecision today, after months of demonizing immigrants, is creating anxiety in cities and towns here in Rhode Island and across America. It’s cruel.”

“Dreamers represent the very best of our American ideals. As children, they were brought to America. They grew up here. They have embraced our values. And they want nothing more than to give back to this country that they love. The President should act soon to ensure they can do this.”

Congressman Emanuel Cleaver, II released the following statement in regards to President Trump’s plans to effectively end the DACA, Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, program.

“Because I am an ordained United Methodist clergy, I cannot resist saying that Ezekiel 18 is clear, each individual is responsible for his/her own sins. Listen to the text:

Ezekiel 18:19

“The child will not be punished for the parent’s sins, and the parent will not be punished for the child’s sins. Righteous people will be rewarded for their own righteous behavior, and wicked people will be punished for their own wickedness.”

Who are we to punish young Americans for their parents’ decision? Come on, opponents of that which is right, get with it or get out of the way!”

On Tuesday, July 5, President Trump officially ended DACA, with a six month delay. Cicilline then commented:

“This is a shameful moment for our country. America has always stood as a beacon of freedom and opportunity. But not today."

“Dreamers were brought here as young children. They love this country. They share our values. They are contributing to their communities every day.”

“What President Trump just did is despicable and cruel. Every Republican should not only be speaking out against this President today, but they should immediately bring legislation to the House floor to right this wrong.”

“Make no mistake, until they back up their words with actions, Republicans are giving Donald Trump a blank check to put his hateful ideas into action.”

Congressman Ted Lieu (D-CA, 33rd) issued the following statement in response to President Trump’s decision to end the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program.

“I am outraged by the President’s foolish decision to end DACA. This decision will cost our economy $460 billion over the next decade. More importantly, it ignores our nation’s rich immigrant heritage. Our nation can never be great without embracing immigrants. Ending DACA is an unconscionable assault on thousands of young Americans who know no other home than the United States. I will stand firmly with my Democratic colleagues to fight this action and do whatever we can to protect DREAMers.”

National Nurses Opposes Trump Threat to End DACA Program

Source: National Nurses United (NNU)

Washington, D.C. - September 4, 2017 (The Ponder News) -- National Nurses United (NNU) has repeated its call on the Trump administration to withdraw its threat to terminate the highly successful Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program that has enabled young people who came to the U.S. undocumented as children to remain in the U.S.

News reports today quoted the President saying he would make a decision on DACA “sometime today or over the weekend.”

The young people who have been protected from being torn apart from their families and their communities by DACA should have the right to continue to contribute to our society,” said NNU Co-President Deborah Burger, RN.



==COUPON==
The Ponder appreciates our readers, so we have coupons for you!
Tidebuy Thanksgiving Day Early Access +Free Shipping $5 OFF $60+ CODE: THANK5 （Excludes Electronics） FREE SHIPPING on orders $89+ ,Shop Now! ENDS ON OCT. 8 PST
Click the Banner above to take advantage of this great offer!
==COUPON==

Some 800,000 young people covered by DACA, implemented under the Obama administration, are permitted to apply for work permits that need to be renewed every two years. If the program is terminated, they would face the threat of deportation.

“At a time when the words and actions of this administration have encouraged white supremacists and others who foment racial hatred and division, targeting these law abiding young people who work, study, and have become valuable members of our diverse nation, would send a dreadful message to our nation,” said Burger.

“Revoking DACA would also be an abrogation of the President’s call in a speech in Reno this week for ‘national unity’ and healing ‘the wounds that divide us’,” said Burger. “Ending this humane program would exacerbate and inflame those wounds. After Charlottesville, the message of terminating DACA could not be worse.”

“Millions of families in our nation have already been traumatized by the escalation of deportations of peaceful, law abiding undocumented immigrants,” Burger continued. “We see more and more people, who work and pay taxes, fearful of getting the health care they need when they are sick, or interacting with other components of civil society. That is wrong, and immoral.”

Ending the DACA program would also repudiate a promise President Trump made in April when he said young beneficiaries of the program could “rest easy” because the priority of his deportation policy was on targeting criminals. “That would be an unconscionable reversal, similar to the ones we’ve seen in the President’s reversal on his promises not to support cuts in Medicare or Medicaid,” Burger noted.

Instead of threatening young people in the DACA program, NNU supports a comprehensive federal program of humane immigration reform, premised on a path to citizenship for those who reside in the U.S., and an end to arbitrary raids and deportations of non-violent immigrants.

Cities to President Trump: Save DACA, Focus on Comprehensive Immigration Reform

Source: National League of Cities



Washington, D.C. - September 3, 2017 (The Ponder News) -- Following reports that President Donald J. Trump may end the successful Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program, National League of Cities (NLC) President Matt Zone, councilman from Cleveland, issued the following statement:

“America’s cities and towns are a cultural mosaic of multiple nationalities and backgrounds, an outcome of our nation’s proud history of welcoming immigrants. That’s why we urge President Trump to continue the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program. The program has provided nearly 800,000 hardworking young immigrants with the opportunity to contribute to our economy and build their lives here without the constant threat of deportation.

“If DACA is terminated, not only would the U.S. GDP potentially decrease by $460 million — countless families would be torn apart and lives upended. Instead, the president should focus on comprehensive immigration reform that includes stronger border enforcement and a pathway to citizenship.”

In 2016, NLC’s membership adopted Resolution #17 to the National Municipal Policy, calling for comprehensive immigration reform and voicing support for legislation like the Dream Act that can “facilitate state efforts to offer in-state tuition to undocumented students and provide certain students with a path to U.S. citizenship.”

REPUBLICAN LEADERS CALL ON TRUMP TO KEEP DACA

Source: National Immigration Forum

Washington, D.C. - September 3, 2017 (The Ponder News) -- As discussions at the White House continue on the fate of Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA), Republican leaders in Congress are urging President Trump today to keep the program in place.

“I don’t think he should do that. I believe this is something Congress has to fix,” said House Speaker Paul Ryan (R-Wisconsin) today, in answer to a question on whether President Trump should end DACA.

“I’ve urged the president not to rescind DACA, an action that would further complicate a system in serious need of a permanent, legislative solution,” said Sen. Orrin Hatch (R-Utah). “Like the president, I’ve long advocated for tougher enforcement of our existing immigration laws. But we also need a workable, permanent solution for individuals who entered our country unlawfully as children through no fault of their own and who have built their lives here. And that solution must come from Congress.”

“Over the coming months, I’ll be working closely with my colleagues in Congress and with the administration to pass meaningful immigration reform that will secure our borders, provide a workable path forward for the Dreamer population, and ensure that employers have access to the high-skilled workers they need so succeed in our technology-driven economy,” Hatch continued.

Meanwhile, more than 350 business leaders and entrepreneurs from across the country signed onto a letter urging the president to preserve DACA and calling on Congress to pass permanent legislation for Dreamers.

“We applaud Republican leaders for speaking out to protect DACA recipients,” said Ali Noorani, Executive Director of the National Immigration Forum. “Their support is indicative of widespread support across the country for a permanent solution to address the situation of our nation’s Dreamers.”

DeGette to Ryan on DACA legislation: What are we waiting for?

Source: House Representative Diana DeGette (D-CO, 1st)

Denver, CO - September 1, 2017 (The Ponder News) -- In response to House Speaker Paul Ryan’s statement that the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program is something Congress has to engage in rather than the President simply ending it, Congresswoman Diana DeGette (D-CO), Chief Deputy Whip said, “What are we waiting for?”

“Speaker Ryan has been sitting on legislation that would help DACA recipients remain productive members of our community and seek a pathway to citizenship,” DeGette said. “Now that it looks likely that President Trump will soon end the program, Mr. Ryan is finally moved to act. Well, Mr. Speaker, what are we waiting for? Let’s put legislation on the House floor next week.”

DeGette is a co-sponsor of the BRIDGE Act (H.R. 496), which would ensure that DACA recipients’ status in this country will be extended for at least another three years, as well as the bipartisan American Hope Act (H.R. 3591), which would prevent those qualified for DACA from being deported.

“There are 800,000 DREAMers nationwide, including more than 17,000 in Colorado,” DeGette said. “When President Obama established the program in 2012, he made a promise to these young men and women that America would help them remain productive members of our communities and provide a pathway to citizenship. President Trump may be ready to break this promise, but those of us who still believe in DACA’s goals will continue our efforts to fulfill them.”

Congressman Connolly’s Statement on DACA and DREAMers

Source: House Representative Gerald E. “Gerry” Connolly (D-VA, 11th)

Washington, D.C. - September 1, 2017 (The Ponder News) -- Congressman Gerry Connolly issued the following statement on DACA and the contributions of DREAMers to Virginia in response to troubling reports that President Trump may end the DACA program:

“Since its creation in 2012, the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program has given nearly 800,000 DREAMers the opportunity to work and attend school. In Virginia, we have more than 12,000 DREAMers and they have contributed more than $711.4 million to our annual GDP. These young, hardworking DREAMers are contributing to our communities, creating jobs, serving our military, teaching our children, and caring for our family members. Ending DACA is a moral outrage and we must protect this program. That is why I am offering an amendment to protect these DREAMers from deportation by prohibiting DHS from using information submitted through the DACA program to initiate removal proceedings.”

Congressman Cleaver’s Statement Regarding DACA

Source: House Representative Emanuel Cleaver (D-MO, 5th)

Congressman Emanuel Cleaver, II released the following statement in regards to President Trump’s plans to effectively end the DACA, Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, program.

“Because I am an ordained United Methodist clergy, I cannot resist saying that Ezekiel 18 is clear, each individual is responsible for his/her own sins. Listen to the text:

Ezekiel 18:19

“The child will not be punished for the parent’s sins, and the parent will not be punished for the child’s sins. Righteous people will be rewarded for their own righteous behavior, and wicked people will be punished for their own wickedness.”

Who are we to punish young Americans for their parents’ decision? Come on, opponents of that which is right, get with it or get out of the way!”

DACA Program

Washington, D.C. - August 29, 2017 (The Ponder News) -- The Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program provides temporary protection from removal and work authorization to young students and veterans who grew up in the United States if they register with the federal government, pay a fee, and pass a criminal background check. More than 47,000 individuals impacted by the program reside in the four counties Congressman Valadao represents.

Earlier this week, United States Congressman David G. Valadao (CA-21) joined with five colleagues to request support from President Donald J. Trump for the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program, also known as DACA.

Congressman David G. Valadao stated, “It is clear our immigration system is in desperate need of reform and it is imperative Congress act to correct its severe shortcomings immediately. However, targeting individuals who were brought to America as children through no fault of their own is neither the way to repair our broken system nor the way to protect our nation." He continued, “Instead, by temporarily maintaining the protections of the DACA program, Congress can continue our work to repair our system, while allowing these young people to work and study without fear of deportation.”

Rep. Norma J. Torres (D-Pomona) issued the following statement in response to President Trump’s ongoing attacks against immigrant communities following reports that he intends to end the DACA program as early as this week:

“It is shocking that with all of the challenges facing our country, the President is continuing his incessant attacks on hard-working immigrants. This past Friday, with the eyes of the nation on Texas and Hurricane Harvey, the President pardoned former Sherriff Joe Arpaio, a man infamous for terrorizing immigrant communities and found guilty by the courts for racial profiling. Now, as thousands face catastrophic conditions in Texas, we are hearing reports that the President may bring an end to the DACA program in the coming days.

“Dreamers are brave young men and women who embody American values. They deserve certainty, compassion, and an opportunity to contribute to the only country many have ever known. They do not deserve to be the target of Trump’s latest anti-immigrant crusade.

“As an immigrant, as a Member of Congress, and as an American, I can assure the President that we are watching his every move. We will not be distracted, and we will not stand by while he rips apart our communities and places thousands of hard-working young people at risk. Far too much is at stake, not only for Dreamers, but for the very future of our country.”

More Statements and information regarding DACA:

House Representative Jeff Denham (R-CA, 10th):

“These young adults were brought to America as children through no fault of their own and know no other country to call home, and we must continue pressing for immigration reform that will provide them with a pathway to citizenship. We have violent criminals preying on our communities, and our resources should be going toward their deportation instead of being directed toward the young men and women protected through DACA, who are working toward a better future.”

REP. BARRAGÁN CO-SPONSORS AMERICAN HOPE ACT

Washington, D.C. - July 31, 2017 (The Ponder News) -- Rep. Nanette Diaz Barragán (D-San Pedro) has co-sponsored legislation that would resolve the immigration status of 800,000 young Americans enrolled in the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program.

The American Hope Act of 2017 offers a pathway to citizenship to DREAMers—the young people who are studying, working and contributing to our society and who have greatly benefited from DACA.

“In my district, there’s a young woman named Diana Medel who has been able to attend college and become a passionate community leader because of DACA.

Separating her from her life in Wilmington by deporting her to Mexico, a country she hasn’t lived in since age seven, would be an act of extraordinary cruelty. She and the hundreds of thousands of people like her are why my colleagues and I are fighting hard to protect DACA.

Earlier this month I urged then-Homeland Security Secretary John Kelly to stand with me and members of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus in supporting a DREAMer law.

Mr. Kelly said he supports the DACA program. He has stood by Speaker Ryan’s side to publicly support anti-immigration legislation. Especially now that he’s at the White House, he should come back to Capitol Hill to take a stand with us to say that people like Diana Medel are Americans, and that they’re here to stay.”

Lawsuit, Heroin, Mines, Electricity, Broadband, ICE, Small Business, Drones, Afghanistan, DACA

Congresswoman Barbara Lee, Members of Congress File Largest Congressional Lawsuit in History Against President Trump
Barbara Lee (D-CA 13th)
June 20, 2017
In the week since the lawsuit was filed, public reporting has revealed that President Trump has received additional foreign benefits – including new trademarks in China – and is brokering business deals in Saudi Arabia and the Persian Gulf while regional tensions escalate.
Read more...

Leaders of Bipartisan Heroin Task Force React to Study Showing Increase in Emergency Room Visits, Inpatient Stays for Opioid-Related Issues
Ann Kuster (D-NH, 2nd)
June 20, 2017
“This study is alarming but not surprising,” said Congresswoman Kuster. “The opioid crisis is putting severe strain on our healthcare system and is impacting communities throughout New Hampshire and across the country. This study underscores the need to strengthen prevention, treatment, and recovery services and strategies for those who are struggling with substance misuse. This crisis requires a comprehensive approach and I’m committed to working across the aisle to improve access to treatment services.”
Read more...

Congressman LaHood Introduces Legislation to Increase Opportunity to Restore Abandoned Mines
Darin Lahood (R-IL, 18th)
June 21, 2017
“While mining is an important part of Illinois’ economy, abandoned mines continue to present safety dangers and missed opportunities for new development. That is why I have introduced this bill, which would protect third-party groups from frivolous lawsuits when they attempt to clean up or re-purpose these abandoned mines. No group should be punished for wanting to help out their local community in this way,” stated LaHood. “I look forward to seeing this bill move forward with bipartisan support.”
Read more...

LaMalfa’s Electricity Reliability and Forest Protection Act Passes House
Doug LaMalfa (R-CA, 1st)
June 21, 2017
The bipartisan legislation provides streamlined processes for the removal of hazardous trees or other vegetative overgrowth within or adjacent to electricity infrastructure – such as power lines – on Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and U.S. Forest Service lands, reducing the risk of forest fires and electrical grid blackouts. The bill passed the House by a margin of 300-118.
Read more...

At E&C Hearing, Latta Discusses Increasing Broadband Access In Rural America
Robert E. Latta (R OH, 5th)
June 21, 2017
During his questioning, Latta said, “Broadband support programs aim to increase broadband coverage in rural America where agricultural production generate significant value to the national economy and are an essential source of revenue and jobs in rural communities. Today, modern high precision farming operations require access to high-speed broadband to support advanced operations and technologies that significantly increase crop yields, reduce costs, and improve the environment. A program that only seeks to measure broadband coverage based on population centers, households, or road miles will overlook coverage gaps in agricultural communities.
Read more...

Congresswoman Lawrence Sends Letter to DHS on ICE Raids in Michigan
Brenda Lawrence (D-MI, 14th)
June 16, 2017
I have sent this letter in order to receive clarity on the rationale and methods used for targeting individuals with final orders especially if some of these orders appear to be decades old and do not reflect the current conditions in the countries of origin.
Read more...

HOUSE COMMITTEE PASSES LAWSON BILL TO HELP SPUR INNOVATION IN SMALL BUSINESS
Al Lawson (D-FL, 5th)
June 15, 2017
His bill would create a pilot program under the Small Business Administration’s Small Business Innovation Research Program (SBIR). This pilot program will provide additional funding for Phase II of the SBIR program which helps small business startups bring their products and services from commercialization into the marketplace.
Read more...

Lewis leads bipartisan Drone Innovation Act
Jason Lewis (R-MN, 2nd)
June 19, 2017
“America continues to lead the world in technological advances. It’s clear to me that drones have a growing role to play in interstate commerce, and that’s vital to maintaining our economic strength at home and competitiveness on the world stage. The Drone Innovation Act will promote that spirit of invention by establishing a clear framework for the operation of unmanned aircraft systems (UAS). Importantly, my legislation also lays out clear protections for your right to privacy and gives local governments the primary responsibility in forming guidelines for how drones can be used in our communities. I look forward to working with the FAA to maintain an environment that works for all stakeholders, and thank my colleagues for their support.”
Read more...

4 VETERANS IN CONGRESS WRITE TO SECRETARY MATTIS EXPRESSING "GRAVE CONCERNS ABOUT THE DIRECTION OF THE WAR IN AFGHANISTAN
Ted Lieu (D-CA, 33rd)
June 21, 2017
“Secretary Mattis is right – we definitely aren’t winning in Afghanistan. And it’s completely unacceptable that 6 months into the new administration, President Trump and his advisors still can’t agree on a strategy,” said Rep. Ruben Gallego, a member of the House Armed Services Committee and a Marine Corps combat veteran. “Deploying a few thousand additional American troops might buy the struggling Afghan government more time, but it certainly won’t produce any lasting gains. I strongly object to sending more brave young Americans into harm’s way without a real plan, simply to kick the can down the road.”
Read more...

Lipinski Joins Bill to Protect DACA Recipients from Deportation
Daniel Lipinski (D-IL, 3rd)
June 21, 2017
Congressman Dan Lipinski (IL-3) has signed on as a co-sponsor of H.R. 496, the BRIDGE (Bar Removal of Individuals who Dream and Grow our Economy) Act, which would protect recipients of DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals) from the threat of deportation. This past Friday, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) continued the uncertainty for DACA recipients when it stated, “The future of the DACA program continues to be under review with the administration.”
Read more...