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Statement

‘We Must Reject Divisive, Racist Policies,” MomsRising Leader Says in Applauding Introduction of DREAM Act, Urging Speedy Passage

July 21, 2017
Immigration

Lisa Lederer, 202-371-1996

Statement from Kristin Rowe-Finkbeiner, executive director and CEO of MomsRising, a national online and on-the-ground organization of more than 1 million mothers and their families, on the introduction of the DREAM Act of 2017 by U.S. Senators Dick Durbin and Lindsey Graham
“Treating immigrants fairly and with respect is not only a moral imperative, but also a way to make our nation strong and prosperous. U.S. Senators Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) and Dick Durbin (D-Ill.) took a step in the right direction yesterday when they introduced the bipartisan DREAM Act of 2017 – urgently needed legislation that would provide a path to citizenship for the nearly 800,000 undocumented people who have grown up here and know no other home. These young people contribute tremendously to the strength and vitality of their communities. Forcing them to hide in the shadows is outrageous and unacceptable.
 
“The moms of America are gravely concerned with the harmful anti-immigrant actions of the Trump administration and the current Congress. America’s mothers do not want to build walls or tear apart families. We are horrified by the cruel deportations and the climate of fear they have created. It is appalling that so many immigrant families are afraid to send their children to school, seek health care, report crimes or access life-saving services. Our entire society is suffering because of it.
 
“We must reject divisive, racist policies and instead embrace our diversity for what it is: One of our country’s greatest strengths. Passage of the DREAM Act is essential – and 16 years after it was first introduced, long overdue. Congress should move immediately to make it law.”
 

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MomsRising.org is an on-the-ground and online grassroots organization of more than a million people who are working to increase family economic security, decrease discrimination against women and moms, and to build a nation where businesses and families can thrive. Established in 2006, MomsRising and its members are organizing and speaking out to improve public policy and to change the national dialogue on issues that are critically important to America’s families, including criminal justice reform, immigration policy reform, and gun safety. MomsRising is working for paid family and medical leave, affordable, high quality childcare and early learning, and for an end to the wage and hiring discrimination which penalizes women — particularly moms and women of color — and so many others. MomsRising advocates for access to healthy food for all kids, health care for all, earned sick days, and breastfeeding rights so that all children can have a healthy start. MomsRising maintains a Spanish language website: MamásConPoder.org. Sign up online at www.MomsRising.org — and follow us on our blog, and on Twitter and Facebook.