CASTRO STATEMENT ON KING IMMIGRATION AMENDMENT

Washington, D.C. – Texas Congressman Joaquin Castro [TX-20] released this statement following the passage of an amendment to Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act [H.R. 2217] offered by Rep. Steve King [R-IA] that treat DREAMers, undocumented spouses of service members, and other immigrants in the same way as violent criminals.  Under this amendment, even those already granted deferred action could be subject to deportation:

 

“Just as national momentum is at an all-time high for Congress to act in good faith and reform our broken immigration system, today House Republicans were once again usurped by the most extreme elements of their party. By voting to deport millions of innocent students and military spouses, Congressional Republicans are not only losing sight of what is right for our nation, but more importantly they are losing the trust of the American people. I will continue to work to ensure that immigration reform becomes a reality.  I call on my Republicans colleagues to not give in to political pressures and stay the course toward progress.”

 

Texas ranks second among the states with the largest number of Deferred Action (DACA) applicants. As of April 30, 2013, there have been 81,111 DACA applicants accepted and 55,114 approved to date in Texas.