CAPAC Immigration Leaders Respond to Review of DHS Immigration Policies
Washington, D.C. – Yesterday, President Barack Obama ordered Homeland Security Secretary Jeh Johnson to review the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s deportation policies. The President cited his deep concerns for families separated by our immigration system. Immigration leaders of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC) released the following statements:
Congresswoman Judy Chu (CA-27), CAPAC Chair:
“Deportation is not just a Latino issue – it’s an Asian issue. In just four years, our inhumane enforcement policies deported over 214,000 immigrants from Asia and the Pacific Islands – separating thousands of families here in the U.S. I urge an expedient review of our current policies – every day that we wait, another 1,100 people are forced to leave.
“Despite the President’s actions, legislation is the only way to permanently fix our broken immigration system. House Republicans must allow for a vote on comprehensive immigration reform.”
Congressman Mike Honda (CA-17), CAPAC Immigration Taskforce Co-Chair:
“I support the President’s directive for the Department of Homeland Security to review how it can conduct immigration enforcement more humanely within the letter of the law. One of the bedrock principles of this country is our commitment to human rights. Every person deserves to be treated with respect. I look forward to working with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to continue the fight for comprehensive immigration reform. Too many families are being torn apart by our broken system, and too many people are suffering because of deplorable conditions in our detention centers.”
Congressman Eni Faleomavaega (AS), CAPAC Immigration Taskforce Co-Chair:
“I support President Obama’s continued dedication to immigration reform. His recent directive to the Department of Homeland Security to encourage more humane immigration enforcement practices is one of many efforts he has led to fix our broken immigration system. This is not an issue for partisan politics. This is about families who are being torn apart, human beings that are separated from their loved ones. We cannot afford to do nothing, to look away, and ignore what is happening right in front of us. I urge my fellow Members of Congress to follow the President’s lead and do the right thing. Now is the time. Let us not delay.”
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The Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC) is comprised of Members of Congress of Asian and Pacific Islander descent and Members who have a strong dedication to promoting the well-being of the Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) community. Currently chaired by Congresswoman Judy Chu, CAPAC has been addressing the needs of the AAPI community in all areas of American life since it was founded in 1994.