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Amodei Responds to Administration's Announcement on DACA

September 6, 2017

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEContact: Logan Ramsey, 202-225-6155

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Mark Amodei (NV-02) today released the following statement after the Administration’s recent announcement on the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program:

“Since I’ve been here, I’ve called on congressional leadership to act on immigration reform. I would always rather be criticized for attempting to move this issue toward a solution, than criticized for repeated inaction. Now, Congress has six months to do the job it’s supposed to do according to the Constitution. If we’re unable to do that job, then 800,000 immigrants will be affected. That number includes individuals currently serving in our Military, working professionals, students, and other contributing members of our society.

“The last time Congress passed any sort of substantial immigration reform was during the Reagan Administration. As far as I’m concerned, if we’re unable to kick it into high gear and follow through on this issue after 31 years – the blame is rightfully Congress’s.”

Background:

Article I, Section 8, Clause 4 of the United States Constitution states, “The Congress shall have Power To… establish a uniform Rule of Naturalization.”

On Sept 5, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) started phasing out the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program, providing a six-month window for the consideration of certain DACA requests and applications for work authorization.

All DACA benefits are provided on a two-year basis. This means that individuals who currently have DACA will be allowed to retain both DACA and their work authorizations (EADs) until they expire.

Unless Congress acts, the program’s phase out would eventually affect about 800,000 immigrants, including new, pending requests submitted under the Trump Administration.

Congressman Amodei is a cosponsor of H.R. 1468, the Recognizing America’s Children (RAC) Act, legislation that would provide a way to earn legal status for undocumented child immigrants brought to the United States as children. The bill provides immigrants that have been vetted by the Department of Homeland Security with three ways toward legalization: higher education, service in the armed forces, or work authorization. Following a 5-year conditional status, these child immigrants would be able to reapply for an extension of the 5-year status and then for legal permanent status.

Issues:Immigration