Democratic Officials Discuss Dangers of Trump's Executive Orders During Visit to South Texas

Press Release

Yesterday Congressman Filemon Vela (TX-34) and Congressman Vicente Gonzalez (TX-15) hosted an immigration roundtable at La Union del Pueblo Entero (LUPE). Representatives Lucille Roybal-Allard (CA-40), Rosa DeLauro (CT-3), House Democratic Chairman Joe Crowley (NY-14), and Former Secretary of Housing and Urban Development Julian Castro joined them.

Astrid Dominguez, Michael Seifert, Elaine Hernandez, Lizbeth Perez, Norma Aldrate, Shaylyn Fluherty, Alejandro Ramirez, and Bishop Daniel Flores also gave presentations on legal aid, push factors, immigration reform, and border enforcement.

"President Trump has radically shifted our country's deportation policy. Rather than adopt President Obama's targeted policy of deporting felons and individuals who have been convicted of three or more misdemeanors, Trump has directed his aim at millions of lawful immigrants who work in hotels, restaurants, construction sites, and agricultural fields across our nation," said Congressman Vela. "Elected officials have a clear choice and must declare a position: stand with the Trump plan to deport millions of people trying to make an honest living or stand with those of us who will continue to resist such discriminatory and inhumane policies."

"Monday's discussion confirmed that the Administration has a false perception of immigrant communities and has taken the wrong approach to addressing issues in our immigration system," said Congressman Gonzalez. "These executive actions are inhumane, immoral and more than likely unconstitutional. Rest assured, I will continue to work with my colleagues to stand up for our communities."

Congresswoman Roybal-Allard added, "It was a privilege to take part in today's discussion. As the senior Democrat on the Homeland Security Appropriations Subcommittee and co-chair of the Women's Working Group on Immigration Reform, I am committed to fixing our broken immigration system and opposing any of the president's executive orders that are anti-immigrant. We must keep our country safe and respect the rule of law, while at the same time treating immigrants humanely and giving each immigrant's case the full and respectful consideration it deserves. My conversations here in Texas have reaffirmed my commitment to fight for bipartisan comprehensive immigration reform that keeps families together, creates a pathway to legalization and eventual citizenship, secures our border, and focuses on deporting real threats to our national security."

"Given the Trump Administration's disturbing actions on immigration, this trip could not be more timely. We need to ensure that everyone--particularly the most vulnerable, have access to high quality representation in our justice system. As a senior appropriator, ever year I insist on increased funding for the Legal Services Corporation, and I will continue to fight against cuts," said Congresswoman DeLauro. "Common sense and humanity must come into play in our border control and immigration system, and a policy that separates families is an inhumane policy. Congress must pass comprehensive immigration reform, and end the cruel practice of breaking up families with raids."

"Congress needs to push for sensible immigration reform that keeps families together and our country safe. It was encouraging to hear from members of the community in San Juan today who share our values," said House Democratic Caucus Chairman Joe Crowley.

"I want to commend Congressmen Vela and Gonzalez for convening their colleagues and also for taking the time to ensure that both the press and the people have an opportunity to understand what life is really like on the border--to hear it from you--because you all are the ones who actually get to live it each and every day and you all are going to be the ones who are most impacted in the months and years to come," Secretary Castro told the audience. "There is a better way to approach immigration (than the wall). It is something we need to ensure for future generations. And we can only do that if we make the right decisions when it comes to something so vital as immigration. We're all a nation of immigrants, just like we are a nation of laws. We need to make sure that we respect the balance and get it right so that that American Dream continues to thrive."