Rep. Schneider Meets with Local DREAMers

WAUKEGAN, IL — U.S. Rep. Brad Schneider (D, IL-10) met with local immigrant advocates at an event Saturday discussing the positive effects of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) policy and the challenges of growing up undocumented.

“Many DREAMers came to the United States so young that they have grown up no other place but here,” said Schneider, referring to undocumented immigrants under age 31 who arrived before age 16 and have not been convicted of any serious crimes.

“They are as American as you or I, and it is shameful to force these young people to live second-class lives in the shadows under constant fear of deportation to an unfamiliar country," he said in his Saturday announcement.

"I strongly support continuing DACA and will stand against any attempt by the Trump Administration rollback these protections for DREAMers.”

During the meeting, Schneider said he supported the BRIDGE Act to make DACA's protections into law. Schneider also said he prefers a long-term solution, including a pathway to citizenship under a comprehensive immigration reform, on top of shielding DREAMers from the threat of deportation.

The event was held at the Waukegan office of HACES, the Hispanic American Community and Education Services.

“DACA has provided relief to young people who are undocumented through no fault of their own, allowing them to acquire work permits and live without the looming threat of deportation,” said María Elena Jonas, founder of HACES.

“Our community is deeply worried by President Trump’s campaign promise to ‘immediately terminate’ DACA and fears more deportations that rip families apart. I appreciate Congressman Schneider for listening to the stories of young DREAMers today, and thank him for fighting to save DACA and pass comprehensive immigration reform.”

Last Wednesday, Schneider introduced an amendment in the House Judiciary Committee to require the committee to investigate deportations of any people eligible for DACA.

Top Photo: Rep. Schneider with the staff of HACES following the roundtable discussion with local DREAMers (Courtesy Rep. Schneider's office.)