Congress Must Act to Protect Dreamers

Washington, D.C. (September 5, 2017) – Terry O’Sullivan, General President of LIUNA – the Laborers’ International Union of North America – made the following statement today on the Administration’s decision to rescind the DACA program in six months:

LIUNA was founded more than a century ago by proud immigrant and minority workers, and then as now, we continue to work for fair treatment of all workers. LIUNA has been a strong and tireless advocate of comprehensive immigration reform, but in light of congressional inaction on comprehensive reform, we supported President Obama’s Executive Order to provide relief to children of immigrant families, known as Dreamers, through the DACA program. The Administration’s announcement today to end the DACA program is disappointing and only further stresses the importance of Congress acting on real immigration reform.

 

Dreamers, immigrants who have lived in the United States since childhood, have spent their lives contributing to this country by working, paying taxes, and even serving in our military. They are as American as those born here, except for an immigration status that is beyond their control. It is about time that Dreamers are able to live unburdened by the fear of deportation. These young immigrants deserve the chance to obtain lawful permanent residence and eventual citizenship. Today’s announcement ending DACA puts these young adults and children in a precarious and undeserved limbo.

 

Although our country has a long road ahead in achieving comprehensive immigration reform, the DREAM Act is a promising bipartisan step in the right direction. In light of the Administration’s decision, LIUNA strongly urges Congress to immediately redouble efforts to come together and quickly pass this legislation.

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The half-million members of LIUNA – the Laborers’ International Union of North America – are on the forefront of the construction industry, a powerhouse of workers who are proud to build America.