USHCC Urges Immediate Action to Protect DACA Program

Washington D.C., March 01, 2018 -- The United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (USHCC) released the following statement today regarding the upcoming termination of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program:

“DREAMers are key contributors to our nation’s economy,” said Fernand Fernandez, USHCC Interim President & CEO. “DACA recipients pay nearly $2 billion each year in state and local taxes.  More than 9,000 are serving their communities as teachers, and 97 percent are employed, enrolled in school, or serving in the U.S. military. While the Supreme Court’s refusal to hear the appeal from the White House gives DREAMers more time, it does not end the program’s instability. We need a permanent legislative solution that protects the 1.8 million individuals that qualify for the program.”

“In Arizona, we have nearly 27,000 aspiring young adults who are facing an uncertain future and risk losing everything they have worked for their entire lives,” said Gonzalo de la Melena, President & CEO of the Arizona Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. “I appreciate Arizona Senators John McCain and Jeff Flake for being voices of reason on this issue, but we need their colleagues to follow suit. The Arizona Hispanic Chamber of Commerce urges Congress to act now and permanently protect DACA recipients.” 

“On behalf of approximately 2,000 Hispanic-owned business in Tennessee, we strongly urge Congress to take immediate action to provide a permanent resolution for DACA recipients,” said Yuri Cunza, President & CEO of the Nashville Area Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. “The lack of certainty has caused confusion and fear among DACA-eligible young adults. Congressional inaction will result in the loss of a highly educated and skilled workforce in our community.”

The USHCC urges political leaders on both sides of the aisle to establish DACA as law, effectively ending the program’s instability. This should include not only a legal right to permanent residency, but also a pathway to citizenship. To protect the 1.8 million DREAMers is to protect the living embodiment of the American Dream.

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About the USHCC:
The United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce actively promotes the economic growth, development and interests of more than 4.37 million Hispanic-owned businesses that, combined, contribute over $700 billion to the American economy every year. It also advocates on behalf of 260 major American corporations and serves as the umbrella organization for more than 200 local chambers and business associations nationwide.

Attachment:

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at http://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/def84c88-6341-4d44-8a8c-8c97e9ce4c19

Communications Team
United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce
[email protected]