Hispanic State Legislative Leaders Urge President Trump to Honor DACA

AUSTIN, Texas, March 7, 2017 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Board of Hispanic Caucus Chairs (BHCC) expresses its support of renewed indications by the Trump Administration and many members of Congress in preserving the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program. The Board understands that maintaining the DACA program would go a long way in preserving and encouraging a dynamic, diverse economy with young, patriotic immigrants who have remember no other country as home. BHCC also recognizes other efforts to address the influx of unaccompanied minors into the United States, and supports smart, inclusive immigration policy proposals such as the bi-partisan BRIDGE Act introduced by U.S. Senators Lindsey Graham (R-SC) and Dick Durbin (D-IL).

"DACA is an important component of a multi-faceted, compassionate immigration policy in the United States. The Trump Administration preserving the policy would serve as a positive step in healing the deep political and social division within our nation." BHCC Chairman, Florida State Senator Rene Garcia (R-Hialeah) said. "This sort of compassion and common sense approach towards immigration protects our society's most precious asset, our children, and that undoubtedly helps make America great. I am encouraged by the President's statements on treating children and young adults affected by DACA "with heart". The best way to achieve this goal would be through consulting with state and local community leaders, who best understand the impact the DACA Program has on our economy and communities nationwide. BHCC wants to serve as a resource to the Administration in making wise, deliberate choices when it comes to our nation's immigration policy."

The BRIDGE Act would allow those under the protection of DACA to receive provisional protected presence as well as work authorization for a three-year period. This approach would provide a temporary solution to protect those who have assimilated into the American workforce after coming to the United States as children. BHCC wants to encourage the President and members of Congress to pursue more comprehensive, bi-partisan solutions such as the BRIDGE Act in order to address the nation's broken immigration system.

About the Board of Hispanic Caucus Chairs
The Board of Hispanic Caucus Chairs (BHCC) is a non-profit 501(c) 3 organization comprised of the current chairs and vice chairs of all state Hispanic caucuses, as well as the Hispanic legislators who serve as the chairs of their respective state legislative committees and or other state legislative leadership positions.  The BHCC strives to provide a medium for Hispanic leaders to engage in substantive dialogue, as well as address pressing issues in the Hispanic community and the nation as a whole.  If you would like to learn more about the BHCC please visit our website at www.bohcc.com or contact Gabriel Sepulveda at (512-484-8568, [email protected].

SOURCE Board of Hispanic Caucus Chairs

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