STATEMENT FROM GOVERNOR PATRICK ON OBAMA ADMINISTRATION’S IMMIGRATION POLICY ANNOUNCEMENT
BOSTON – Friday, June 15, 2012 – The following is a statement from Governor Deval Patrickon today’s immigration policy announcement by the Obama Administration:
“The Obama Administration’s decision to grant young people brought to the United States as children the opportunity to stay here is the right one. These are kids who really only know America and want nothing more than a chance to pursue the American Dream. Giving them a chance to earn their citizenship brings balance and common sense to the enforcement of our immigration laws, and reflects our values as a nation.”
Elizabeth Warren Statement on President Obama's
Immigration Policy Announcement
Somerville, MA - U.S. Senate candidate and consumer advocate Elizabeth Warren today issued the following statement on President Obama's announcement regarding immigration policy:
"These young people did nothing wrong, they were brought to this country by their parents. They have gone to school here or served in the military, and they should be able to continue living and working here.Two years ago, Scott Brown denied the dreams of these young people. His vote to kill the DREAM Act cost our communities and our country, until the President took action today."
Statement from the National Domestic Workers Alliance
Today, on the eve of the first anniversary of the ILO Convention on Dignified Work for Domestic Workers, President Obama announced that the Department of Homeland Security will end certain deportations of young people and allow them to work legally in the United States. The changes will directly impact nearly 1 million youth.
The young DREAMers who have fought tirelessly to be able to stay in their home country without fear have shown us the power of coming together for dignity and respect against incredible odds. Through setback after setback they continue to dream, believe, and organize.
The news today is a victory for all of us. Marcia Oliva, from Miami Workers Center/Ola de Mujeres in Florida explains the importance of the decision for all domestic workers:
"Happiness is in the air today because of the opportunities created by this decision. This is a victory for domestic workers, since so many of our families and our young people are affected. What's happened today is an opportunity for us to keep on fighting and fighting until we achieve justice for ALL immigrants."
The President’s news is a long-time coming and there is still much more work to be done, but the announcement is indeed beautiful proof of the power of organizing.
As we celebrate, we cannot forget that we must continue to organize with our young allies to ensure that the promise of the President’s announcement becomes a reality. Just as we have turned the ILO victory into an opportunity to win ratification in countries across the globe, we must not rest until this news becomes real for the brave young DREAMers leading this inspiring struggle for rights, dignity and respect.
Statement of Mayor Thomas M. Menino on
Department of Homeland Security’s
Deferred Action Process for Young Immigrants
Mayor Menino today reacted to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s policy change that will allow young people who were brought to the United States as young children, through no fault of their own, to receive deferred action. For a period of two years, subject to renewal, they will be eligible to apply for work authorization.
“Our country was founded by immigrants. By fueling entrepreneurship and innovation, they created the American Dream. They continue to create jobs in our communities, invigorate our neighborhoods, and support and defend our nation through the various branches of military service.
This announcement made today by the Obama Administration and DHS represents an important step towards comprehensive immigration reform. This policy change will allow our “DREAMers,” or young immigrants, to embrace the full advantage of their education and pursue better economic opportunities.”