Ending DACA is Contrary to American Values

Floor Speech

BREAK IN TRANSCRIPT

Mr. Speaker, by ending DACA, President Trump made our immigration system less fair and just for our young people.

These DREAMers study in our schools and work on our Main Streets. They are Americans, and the United States is their home. It makes no sense to deport them simply because of the actions of their parents. This decision is so contrary to our American values that even business leaders and faith leaders called on the President not to do it.

My grandmother came to this country from Jamaica as a domestic worker and, for a period of time, was undocumented. She did this so that my father could become the first member of our family to go to college. He
repaid his mother and this country by becoming a doctor and working in some of the poorest neighborhoods near where I grew up. My father pursued the American Dream and, in turn, contributed to the greatness
that is America.

Kicking these DREAMers out won't create jobs or make our neighborhoods safer. That is why we must pass the Dream Act. It is the right thing to do for our economic competitiveness, military readiness, and public safety.

We have legitimate disagreements on how to fix our immigration system, but let's not hold our DREAMers hostage. It is time for Congress to pass the Dream Act now.

BREAK IN TRANSCRIPT

Source