Issued December 21, 2017
WASHINGTON—SEIU Executive Vice President Rocio Sáenz issued the following statement after Congress passed another continuing resolution to avert a government shutdown without action on the DREAM Act and a permanent solution for immigrant families.
“Every week that passes without a legislative solution for immigrant youth, approximately 850 Dreamers are put in danger of deportation, and lose the ability to work, study and contribute to the economy. The human, economic and moral cost of inaction is both negligent and cruel.
“While Republican leaders in Congress celebrate the holidays and enjoy Christmas dinner with their loved ones, approximately 800,000 Dreamers and 300,000 Temporary Protected Status holders, who also face being ripped apart from their families because of the Trump administration and Congressional inaction, will have a bitter holiday filled with anxiety and fear.
“Republicans had all year to solve crucial issues like passing a clean Dream Act and a permanent solution for TPS holders, yet once again they decided to play political football with people’s lives. Apparently, tax giveaways for big corporations and gutting Medicaid are higher priorities than raising wages, relief for disaster-stricken communities and helping create good union jobs.
“Working Americans are fed up with Republicans in Congress play politics than do anything to improve the financial security of their constituents. The Republicans who control Congress need to take action on January 1 to protect the Dreamers and address these other crucial priorities. If they don’t, there will be consequences. Working families will work tirelessly in 2018 to hold self-interested politicians accountable at the ballot box.
“We will elect champions next November, in 2020 and for years to come who understand the meaning of being a public servant. SEIU members are united and nothing will stop us from joining together and making our voices heard.”