WISCONSIN GOVERNOR ON BOARD: State and local officials urge Congress to pass permanent protection for Dreamers
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Washington D.C.—In the wake of the Trump administration’s decision to end Deferred Acton for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) and Temporary Protection Status (TPS) state and local elected officials across the country signed a bipartisan statement urging Congress to pass permanent protections and a path to citizenship for Dreamers and TPS holders, and to ensure our nation’s prosperity.
According to a news release that indicated the Dreamers and TPS holders are deeply rooted in communities, are now facing an uncertain future, which could mean losing their ability to work lawfully, being separated from their families, and ultimately being deported from the place they call home.
The news release stated that in states and localities throughout this great country, Dreamers and TPS holders are helping to build a better America. Since the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) initiative was created in 2012, more than 800,000 immigrant youth have had an opportunity to transform their lives and to help transform the lives of so many people around them. On average, these young people came to the country at age six, and are for all intents and purpose our fellow Americans. Similarly, the average TPS holder has lived in this country for 22 years, contributing in many ways including raising families, growing small businesses, and working in Critically needed occupations, the vast majority of that time with lawful permission to remain and work in the country. Between them, DACA recipients and TPS holders have nearly 500,000 U.S. citizen children and many hundreds of thousands of other U.S. citizens relatives who depend upon them just as we depend on our own friends, neighbors and loved ones.
Twelve Democratic elected officials signed the news released including Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers and Minnesota Governor Tim Walz.
Evers stated; “Showing that Wisconsin is a welcoming, inclusive state is critically important. That’s why I am pushing to ensure that everyone in the state, including undocumented immigrants, are able to gain access to driver’s license and in-state tuition. The nearly 19,000 Dreamers living in Wisconsin pay on average $79 million in state and local taxes each year. It’s time for Congress to do the right thing for Wisconsin and put them, as well as those with Temporary Protection Status on a pathway to citizenship.”
Minnesota Governor Walz also urged Congress to provide a path to citizenship.