The Becerra Bulletin - June 11, 2013

Statement

In a continued effort to bring news and relevant information about our federal government back to his home district in Los Angeles, Representative Xavier Becerra (CA-34), Chairman of the House Democratic Caucus and Ranking Member of the Social Security Subcommittee, brings you "The Becerra Bulletin," an e-newsletter filled with facts and information meant to stimulate thought and discussion about policy and a host of other issues.

BY THE NUMBERS

DEFERRED ACTION FOR DREAMERS: ONE YEAR LATER
While the Senate begins floor debate on a comprehensive immigration reform bill, a bipartisan group from the House of Representatives continues to work on its own reform legislation that keeps America strong, competitive and true to our values. And, one year ago, President Obama did everything in his power to move forward with sensible immigration policy and allow eligible immigrant youth to remain in the country without fear of deportation and receive work authorization. Since the application period opened in August of last year, Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) has continued to change the lives of many immigrant youth hoping to contribute to the country they call home. Here's an update on the impact of DACA:

Over 515,922 requests for deferred action have been received by the federal government since the application process began in August of 2012
Of these requests, 291,859 applicants have been approved for deferred action
California ranks at the top with over 87,142 approved applicants for deferred action
Since August 15, 2012, USCIS has accepted an average of 2,813 requests daily

SHORT TAKES -- WASHINGTON, D.C.

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REP. BECERRA WELCOMES SOUTH KOREAN PRESIDENT PARK GEUN-HYE
On May 8, Congressman Becerra escorted President Park Geun-hye of South Korea to the well of the U.S. House of Representatives where she delivered remarks before a Joint Session of Congress. Congressman Becerra released the following statement on President Park's visit to the United States:

"I'm honored to welcome President Park Geun-hye to the United States Congress. Her trip will serve as an opportunity to strengthen America's economic and cultural ties with our great friend and ally, South Korea. When President Park travels to Los Angeles, she will find an incredibly vibrant and diverse community of hard working families, entrepreneurs, and civic leaders. I wish President Park a memorable and successful time as she visits our nation and great city, including members of our dynamic Korean American community."

SHORT TAKES -- IN THE 34TH DISTRICT

COFFEE WITH YOUR CONGRESSMAN ON SATURDAY, JUNE 15
Congressman Becerra would like to hear directly from you about the most pressing issues we face today. On Saturday, June 15 from 10:30 to 11:30 am, Congressman Becerra will host a "Coffee with your Congressman" at Wilshire Park Elementary School, 4063 Ingraham Street, Los Angeles, 90005. Doors will open 30 minutes prior to the start of the meeting. For additional information, please call 213-481-1425.

ROOSEVELT HIGH STUDENT WINS 2013 CONGRESSIONAL ART COMPETITION
In a ceremony on May 1, Congressman Becerra awarded Roosevelt High School senior Stephanie Varela the top prize in the 2013 Congressional Student Art Competition. Stephanie took first place for her entry, "Mariachi Plaza, Boyle Heights." She will receive a trip for two to Washington, D.C. to see her work on display in the halls of the United States Capitol, where it will hang for one year.

CONGRESSMAN BECERRA VISITS JOB CORPS CAMPUS, CALLS FOR END TO SEQUESTER CUTS
On May 2, Congressman Becerra visited the YWCA's Job Corps Urban Campus in Downtown LA. After taking a campus tour, he spoke with local at-risk youth served by the Los Angeles Job Corps program. Sponsored by the U.S. Department of Labor, it is the nation's largest and most comprehensive educational, vocational and social skills training program. On his visit, Congressman Becerra said:

"In Los Angeles, these are the people harmed by the sequester. For our youth served by the YWCA, this is a second chance, a bridge to entering the workforce and contributing to our economy. They shouldn't be victim to reckless cuts. Let's work to replace the sequester in a balanced, responsible way that doesn't leave them behind."

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