Barbara Lee Speaks Out Against Anti-Immigrant Legislation
Washington, D.C. – Today, Congresswoman Barbara Lee (D-CA) joined Congressman Luis Gutierrez (D-IL) and other Members of Congress to speak out against Representative Lamar Smith’s (R-TX) anti-immigrant legislation, the HALT Act. Rep. Smith, head of the House Judiciary Committee, introduced a bill on Tuesday to suspend the executive branch’s ability to use discretion in immigration cases that would expire after the President’s current term ends. Congresswoman Lee released the following statement:
“The legislation that Mr. Smith introduced does nothing to reform our immigration system and is designed only to derail the progress made by the President and this country on this critical issue.
“It is shameful that immigrants, including promising young students who could have afforded college under the DREAM Act, are being threatened by this Republican ploy.
“I stand on the side of law-abiding immigrants, parents separated from their children, military families, and other immigrants who should not be a priority for deportation.
“We are a nation of immigrants, and comprehensive immigration reform is crucial for the future of our country. We cannot and will not be distracted by this blatantly partisan move."
Follow Barbara Lee on Twitter@RepBarbaraLee
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