Congress: Protect the Border, Protect Dreamers

Congress has a timely opportunity during the lame-duck session to ensure protection for Dreamers and fund border security.

In a Washington Post op-ed Monday, TheDream.us co-founder Donald E. Graham urged Congress to advance “a simple bill that could pass both chambers, be signed by this president and help some deserving people throughout the United States.”

The following is a statement by Ali Noorani, Executive Director of the National Immigration Forum:

“I agree with Don Graham: This lame-duck session presents a real chance for Republicans in Congress to fund their party’s signature issue while finally advancing an immigration solution the overwhelming majority of Americans support.

“Protection for Dreamers should not come with increases to interior enforcement or slashes to legal immigration. Coupling a permanent solution for Dreamers with funding for border security is a commonsense compromise that can garner bipartisan – and presidential – support.

“Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals recipients and other Dreamers have been in limbo long enough, and legislation is the only way to ensure their continued protection from deportation. Relying on federal court cases is an unsustainable and unfair strategy. Members of Congress have a responsibility to act in the best interest of Americans by passing permanent protections for Dreamers, and one final opportunity to make their legacy one of action instead of gridlock.

“It’s a no-brainer for lawmakers on both sides of the aisle: Protect the border and protect Dreamers.”