Speech #1140082662

Mr. Speaker. I wish to express my support for the Presidents executive actions on immigration to expand the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program and the creation of the Deferred Action for Parents of Americans and Lawful Permanent Residents (DAPA) program. Soon. the Supreme Court will consider U.S. v. Texas. the case concerning President Obamas executive actions on immigration to extend temporary relief from deportation for undocumented immigrants who arrived in the U.S. when they were children and eligible parents of American citizens or legal permanent residents. These crucial programs have been halted as this litigation continues and our families. our businesses. and our economy hang in the balance. Today. the House Republicans brought a polarizing resolution to the floor authorizing the Speaker to file an antiimmigrant amicus brief with the Supreme Court opposing these executive actions. I am disappointed that House Republicans are attempting to block the Presidents executive actions on immigration from taking effect. The President acted to keep hardworking immigrant families together and to ensure that DREAMERS can continue to live in the only country theyve ever known. As cochair of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus Immigration Task Force. Im hopeful that the Supreme Court will recognize the legality and importance of President Obamas executive actions for our immigrant families. We compromise our nations family values when we tear apart families and instill fear and mistrust among communities. With so much at stake. we cant rely on the courts to correct this injustice. America deserves a fair and just immigration system. and our hardworking immigrant families have waited long enough. Its time for Congress to do its job and pass comprehensive immigration reform immediately..