Wednesday, August 15, 2012

Conyers Celebrates Historic First Day of Obama Deferred Action Policy, Urges Passage of DREAM Act as Permanent Solution




(DETROIT) – Today, Representative John Conyers, Jr. (D-Mich.), participated in a press conference applauding the Obama Administration’s bold policy to provide relief to young upstanding individuals who are American in every way but name. The press conference included Alliance for Immigrant Rights & Reform Michigan, local advocates, and three DREAMers intending to apply for deferred action under the new policy. Representative John Conyers, Jr. released this statement following the press conference:

“Two months ago, President Obama made a historic announcement that his administration would work to use executive discretion so that young people would receive temporary protection from deportation. Today, the Administration made good on its word,” said Conyers.

“I am pleased to announce that today is the first day that qualified young people will be able to request deferred action from the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services. This is an important day for countless young people who were brought to this country as children and have grown up knowing only America as their home. These are young people who have excelled in our schools, attended our churches and mosques, and played in our Little Leagues. They wish nothing more than to contribute to this country — the only one they have ever truly known.

“Until today, these young individuals lived in fear of deportation. Yet, under President Obama and Department of Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano’s leadership, these young people can now receive temporary protection from deportation.

“I want it to be clear that this policy only applies to a distinct group of young people who were brought to the United States as children, played by the rules, and can demonstrate that they meet key guidelines through documentation.

“I commend the Obama Administration for recognizing that executive discretion – which is used in so many other areas – is especially justified when we are faced with removing productive young people to countries where they may have never lived and where they may not even speak the language.

“I am personally committed to making this a successful program, and I want all young people who are eligible for deferred action to have access to the program. But that doesn’t mean Congress’s job is done.  The President has used his executive authority to set immigration priorities and offer temporary protection, but Congress must act to make this protection permanent by passing the DREAM Act into law.”

For additional helpful information on the steps needed to be taken for deferred action, please visit the Department of Homeland Security’s webpage at:



Representative John Conyers, Jr. speaking at a Press Conference on Deferred Action for DREAMers.



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Press Conference: Deferred Action for DREAMers



(DETROIT) – Tomorrow, Wednesday August 15th, is the first day that young individuals will be able to apply for the Deferred Action for Child Arrivals program by submitting requests to the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services. Representative John Conyers, Jr. (D-Mich.) will be joining immigration rights groups and undocumented students who plan to apply for the program, in a press conference praising the Obama Administration’s bold policy that provides relief to young people who are American in every way but name.
                 
WHAT:                 Press Conference on Deferred Action for DREAMers

WHERE:               United States Citizenship and Immigration Services
                                11411 East Jefferson Avenue
                                Detroit, MI 48214
               
WHEN:                 Wednesday, August 15, 2012 at 10:00 a.m.

WHO:                   The Honorable John Conyers, Jr. (D-Mich.)

                                Three DREAMers intending to apply for deferred action

The Alliance for Immigrants Rights & Reform Michigan

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Friday, August 10, 2012

Conyers: Focus On the Revival of Michigan’s Cities, Not the Statute




(DETROIT) – Earlier this week, Michigan Attorney General Bill Schuette issued an official opinion following the Michigan Supreme Court’s decision to allow the repeal initiative of the Emergency Manager law, Public Act 4, on the November 6th ballot. Attorney General Schuette’s opinion stated that the effective suspension of PA 4 puts into effect the prior Emergency Manager law, Public Act 72. Representative John Conyers, Jr. (D-Mich.) released this statement following the opinion:

“The issue facing the people of Michigan is not the revival of an archaic Emergency Manager law, but whether local and state leaders can cooperate on a plan for the revival of our cities,” said Conyers.

“I disagree with the Attorney General’s conclusion that PA 72 would be revived with the repeal of PA 4 by referendum. The revival statute clearly states that once repealed by legislation, a statute cannot be brought back without an express act by the legislature. While there is no question that PA 72 was repealed by the newer Emergency Manager law, PA 4, its revival following the overturning of PA 4 by referendum could create yet another question for future litigation.

“At this point, these legal questions are distracting from the heart of the matter. We need to focus and strive towards creating a financially viable recovery plan for all cities while preserving our democracy. This will require the cooperation of all of our city and state leaders.

“The actions of the Attorney General should send forth a call to action and an appropriate response from every community in Michigan. These actions indicate to us that all who believe in democracy must be concerned with Lansing’s increasing appetite for control over local government.

“For the good of Michigan’s cities, I hope that we can put all of that behind us and let the people decide on November 6th.”



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Wednesday, August 8, 2012

US Rep. Conyers Wins Dem Nomination For 25th Term


US Rep. Conyers Wins Dem Nomination For 25th Term

U.S. Representative
John Conyers, Jr.
DETROIT (AP) - Rep. John Conyers has won another Democratic primary and is on his way to a 25th consecutive term in Congress.
The 83-year-old Conyers defeated state Sen. Glenn Anderson of Westland in Michigan’s 13th District. The winner of the Democratic primary is expected to easily win the seat in the November general election.

Harry Sawicki ran unopposed in the Republican primary.
Conyers has had few serious primary challenges and has been in Congress since 1965. He is the second most senior member in the U.S. House, a member of the House Judiciary Committee and a founder of the Congressional Black Caucus.

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