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Over 50 Michigan organizations signed on to the letter calling for an end to deportations. The US Senate passed a comprehensive immigration reform bill in 2013, but so far, the only action that House Republicans have taken on immigration is to vote to deport DREAM students.
At the same time, the Obama Administration is on track to hit a major milestone in April — a record 2 million deportations. In view of this obstruction by House Republicans and aggressive enforcement by Obama, community leaders are demanding that deportations of families be suspended until the US Congress does its job.
“We trusted that Congress meant what they were saying. We believed that we would see some action on a bill when they returned in 2014,”said Adonis Flores, board member of Michigan United. “But the House GOP leadership won’t give us a simple vote on reform that voters and the Senate both want. So we are turning to the Obama Administration for urgently needed relief.”
The Obama Administration proved that they have the power to stop the deportations of certain individuals through the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program, which has helped nearly 1 million undocumented young people avoid deportation and work legally. The courts upheld this power in 2013. The program has been an overwhelming success, and states like Maryland, California, and Washington have all passed laws allowing these students to attend college at regular tuition rates.
“The question is: who will help our families first?” said Walid Fiduma, Yemini American Association and Michigan United volunteer. “House Republicans can give us a vote on immigration reform, which has enough votes to pass tomorrow, or President Obama can use his pen to stop the deportations. Our community will be vocal in demanding that both Democrats and Republicans keep their promises and deliver for our families.”
Editor’s Note: Michigan United is a broad statewide coalition striving for immigration reform, advancing housing justice, and protecting the rights of low-wage workers and developing leadership. More information can be found at the Michigan United website:www.miunited.org
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