Issued June 13, 2018
WASHINGTON—SEIU International Executive Vice President and iAmerica Action President Rocio Sáenz issued the following statement in response to the failure of the bipartisan effort in the House of Representatives that would have allowed a vote on the Dream Act:
“Republicans in Congress cannot say they’re going to vote for a bill that helps some Dreamers while simultaneously supporting policies that rip families apart. By caving to a backroom deal engineered by their leadership, these members of Congress are deserting their constituents - Dreamers, TPS holders and everyone in our communities. The overwhelming majority of Americans want the Dream Act to be law. This poor excuse for a compromise will take a watered down version of a bill that everyone supports and wrap it in a poison pill of fear and division.
“The Trump administration -- with Congressional Republican complicity -- has written graffiti all over the Statue of Liberty. They have acted brutally, taking children from their parents and deporting long-time residents who have been contributing to our nation's economy and social fabric.
“We need a Congress that will act as a check against these kinds of actions that are being taken in our name. The November elections are around the corner and we will make sure to hold elected officials accountable for ripping families apart.”