While President Should Make DACA Expansion “Plan A” for Immigration Reform
August 13, 2013 – Los Angeles, CA
In response to Marco Rubio’s comments on the possible expansion of DACA, Pablo Alvarado, Executive Director of the National Day Laborer Organizing Network, issued the following statement:
“Senator Rubio’s bizarre comments demonstrate precisely why the President must lead on this issue by suspending deportations and expanding DACA. He should take action now to prevent Congress from holding people’s equality hostage. Rather than think about executive action as a ‘plan B,’ we think Presidential action will actually improve prospects for a good bill to get through Congress.
If Senator Rubio was sincere about seeking reform, he would join a growing national consensus on the need to suspend unjust deportations. At a bare minimum, people who would qualify for citizenship under Rubio’s own bill should not have to fear deportation while it’s being debated.
By leading the immigration reform debate through actions and not just words, the President can break the impasse and focus Congress’s attention on getting something done this year. If Marco Rubio is serious about results, he should be able to endorse such a move as well.”
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