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:

http://www.dhs.gov/files/enforcement/deferred-action-process-for-young-people-who-are-low-enforcement-priorities.shtm

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

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