WASHINGON, DC – U.S. Rep. Nanette Diaz Barragán (CA-44), issued the below statement following the decisions by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security to continue the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program and to revoke Deferred Action for Parents of Americans and Lawful Permanent Residents (DAPA) program.
“After a night of bipartisanship at the Congressional Baseball Game, I was heartened to see that spirit continue with the decision to keep DACA alive, so that Dreamers can continue to live and work in the country they call home.
“I encourage young people to continue to apply for DACA, and for those who have it now, to renew their eligibility. Our Dreamers are members of the military, valedictorians, and future leaders of our communities. They should not be targeted for any type of negative action, including deportation and I am glad to see this administration uphold the promise the government made to Dreamers.
“Unfortunately, as we celebrate with our Dreamers, our heads hang low for their parents who will not be given the same opportunity. DAPA, or Deferred Action for Parents of Americans and Lawful Permanent Residents, would have allowed hard working families to stay together and contribute in the U.S.
“As Congress continues to work on comprehensive immigration, our Dreamers, their parents, and those trying to do the right thing, are foremost in our minds. I urge my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to keep the spirit of bipartisanship going so that we can protect those who deserve the same opportunities as us all.”
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Nanette Diaz Barragán is proud to represent California’s 44th Congressional District, which includes the communities of Carson, Compton, Lynwood, North Long Beach, Rancho Dominguez, San Pedro, South Gate, Walnut Park, Watts, Willowbrook and Wilmington.