Hoyer, Gutiérrez & CASA Host Immigration Information Session & Rally

Press Release

House Democratic Whip Steny H. Hoyer (D-MD) hosted an information session and rally yesterday evening with special guest Congressman Luis V. Gutiérrez (IL-4) in support of President Obama's November 2014 executive actions on immigration and to call for comprehensive immigration reform. The event was held in conjunction with CASA, an organization dedicated to advocating for and expanding opportunities for immigrants in Maryland. They highlighted information about how eligible immigrants can get ready to apply for the expanded Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) and the new Deferred Action for Parents of Americans and Lawful Permanent Residents (DAPA) program.

"I was pleased to have so many immigrants and their families join me and my friend Congressman Luis Gutiérrez at CASA in support of fixing our country's broken immigration system and to raise awareness about the expanded DACA program and the new DAPA program," said Congressman Steny H. Hoyer. "We are a stronger and more prosperous nation when we tap into the talents and experiences and new perspectives of immigrants from across the world, and I will continue to work with Rep. Gutiérrez to advance comprehensive immigration reform legislation in Congress so that we can fix a system we all agree is broken. I thank him for joining me in the Fifth District to educate the community about the President's executive actions and what they mean to families in Maryland, as well as CASA and all of the volunteers here today for their efforts in our community."

"Democrats are going to work with community organizations and state and local governments to prepare immigrants who qualify to sign up for DACA and DAPA -- the President's executive action initiatives," said Congressman Luis V. Gutiérrez. "The only way to make progress while legislation is blocked is to use the leeway Congress gives the President under current law to lend more sanity and efficiency to our enforcement policies. Since we cannot and should not be trying to deport everyone, targeting criminals instead of long-term residents with kids is an important step we can take right now."

"Immigrants in our region make enormous contributions and thanks to President Obama's reforms they will be able to do even more," said Gustavo Torres, Executive Director of CASA. "Moving forward the American dialogue on immigration took real leadership from heroes like Congressman Hoyer and Gutiérrez and many of our other friends joining us today. We look forward to together achieving even greater reforms and making sure every American family -- immigrant and non-immigrant alike -- can reach their highest potential."

Other federal, state and local elected officials were in attendance, including Congressman Chris Van Hollen, Congresswoman Donna Edwards, and Montgomery County Executive Isiah Leggett. Prior to the rally, an information session was held for attendees to learn more about the DACA and DAPA programs and how to get ready to apply.

Source