Media Contact

ACLU SoCal Communications & Media Advocacy, 213-977-5252, communications@aclusocal.org

November 2, 2017

Statement from Jennie Pasquarella, Director of Immigrants' Rights at the ACLU of Southern California, on reports that Senate Republicans and President Trump have struck a deal not to include a Clean Dream Act in the end of the year spending bill:

"Our representatives in California now have a clear choice, will they acquiesce to President Trump and Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell and block the best chance to protect Dreamers in this country or will they reject this bad deal and do the right thing for their constituents, our state and the country?

We can not and must not let our fellow Americans be used as political footballs. There is a narrow window to act and California Republicans can not allow President Trump and Senate Republicans to close it.

Congress must pass a clean Dream Act before lawmakers leave town for their winter holiday recess. Due to the actions of President Trump immigrant youth are already losing protection from deportation. Congress must act now to provide them assurance they can stay in their homes and communities.

There is bipartisan support for a clean Dream Act in Congress and it is supported by a majority of Americans. California representatives Paul Cook (CA-08), Devin Nunes (CA-22), Darrell Issa (CA-49), Mimi Walters (CA-45) and Ed Royce (CA-39) are key votes and that is why they must speak out now and reject this bad deal."

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