Bills & Meetings to Undo Immigration Progress Show Tea Party Controls New GOP Congress

New York, NY- In reaction to today’s special conference meeting by House GOP to block deportation relief for Dreamers and Parents (DACA and DAPA programs), Cesar Vargas & Erika Andiola, Co-Directors of the Dream Action Coalition, issued the following statement:

“Will Speaker John Boehner (R-Ohio) and Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) make progress where the previous Congresses failed so poorly, or will those who embody the “deport-them-all” stance like Tea Party firebrands Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) and Rep. Steve King (R-Iowa) lead the new GOP majority?

Whether its Rep. King’s bill to block all executive actions, or Rep. Mulvaney’s (R-S.C.) limited legislation barring funds to be used to carry out new immigration policy changes, these bills along with strategy meetings for such purpose show the Tea Party is still in full control of the GOP Conference.

Instead of fighting the President, Republicans should fully pass legislation to fund the Department of Homeland Security, introduce and pass viable immigration legislation that would offer a chance for Dreamers and our families to obtain a permanent solution.

Unfortunate that many Republicans have shown their support for legislation similar to the DREAM Act and even a legalization program for or families, but have failed to convince the rest of their caucus that this is the right step to take.

For us, we continue to put our families before politics and we will continue to push for those of us who were left out of the President’s announcement. The President’s job is not done and he must be ready to use his pen again should Congress fail to take legislative action in 2015.”