Rep. Takano Issues Statement on Republican Amendment That Calls for Deportation of DREAMers

Washington DC – Earlier today, Rep. Mark Takano (D-Riverside) issued the following statement regarding Rep. Steve King’s (R-IA) amendment that would require Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to focus an equal time and energy on law-abiding individuals, including 800,000 DREAMers, as on lawbreakers:

 

“The amendment proposed by Rep. King earlier today, which was ultimately passed by the House Republican Majority, is misguided and wrong. The vast majority of immigrants that come to the United States do so with the intention of following the laws of our country. Forcing ICE to focus on these individuals as much those who pose a danger to national security or public safety is a gross misallocation of resources and will diminish its effectiveness.

 

“There is no reason for ICE to focus on families and students when conducting their investigations. The number one priority should remain tracking down individuals who pose a threat to national security and public safety.

 

“The Department of Homeland Security Appropriations bill is a non-controversial, bipartisan piece of legislation that I was looking forward to voting for and that both parties agree on. Injecting this amendment into the bill at the last minute muddies the water. Its sole purpose is to serve as fodder for conservative media outlets and fundraising pitches.”

 

The amendment by Rep. Steve King (R-IA) would prohibit the use of funds to finalize, implement, administer, or enforce ICE policy guidance related to the use of prosecutorial discretion, including a June 15, 2012, memo from Sec. Napolitano setting priorities on dangerous criminals ahead of “certain young people who were brought to this country as children and know only this county as home.” 

 

By prohibiting prosecutorial discretion, the House majority would prevent Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) from focusing its enforcement resources on those who pose a threat to public safety and national security.  Instead, the House majority would require ICE to focus just as much time and energy on law-abiding individuals, such as the estimated 800,000 young undocumented immigrants who were brought to the U.S. as children and have since led law-abiding lives (the “DREAMers”); victims of domestic violence and other crimes who come forward to seek protection and identify their abusers; and spouses of U.S. citizens serving in the military.

 

The amendment passed the House of Representatives by a vote of 234-201.