Today, U.S. Representative Yvette D. Clarke, released the following statement on President Barack Obama’s announcement that his administration will stop deportations of qualified undocumented immigrants who came to the U.S. as children:

“I commend President Obama and Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Napolitano for announcing a significant change in immigration policy by stopping the deportation of undocumented immigrants who came to the U.S. as children.  DHS will also grant work permits to those qualified DREAM Act kids who qualify under the DREAM act and have remained in the country.  The inability to work has plagued this group of youth and young adults for years, as many were and continue to be educated by our schools but cannot contribute to our government from which they’ve benefitted.  These kids want to attend school and find jobs – pursue the American Dream.  This policy constitutes an important start to fixing an immigration system that doesn’t work – for anyone – and will assist thousands of people in my district whose families include citizens and legal residents, documented and undocumented immigrants.  

“While this is a great first step forward, we need to allow these children a clear pathway to citizenship. For this reason, we need to pass the DREAM Act now.  I call on opponents in the Congress, mainly the Tea Party Majority in the House, to put these political games aside and do what is right for the American people.  Know that despite the political gridlock in Washington, I will continue to fight for the passage of the Dream Act for the thousands of young people who are ready to contribute greatly to this nation.”   

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