Washington, DC — Today, as many in Congress and around the nation express concern with the White House’s Sunday night proposal that would trade hard-line immigration policies for legislation to protect 800,000 young people who live in fear of being separated from the only home they know, the U.S. Conference of Mayors (USCM) sent an open letter to Congress urging quick passage of bipartisan legislation that would enable Dreamers to earn lawful permanent residence and eventually American citizenship if they meet certain criteria.  One hundred and seventy six bipartisan mayors in 39 states and the District of Columbia signed the letter.

Addressed to both members of the U.S. House of Representatives and the U.S. Senate, the letter states in part:

“Because of the Trump Administration’s decision to terminate DACA in six months, this legislation must be passed as quickly as possible so that the benefits to Dreamers, to our cities, and to our nation can continue. It would remove Dreamers’ fears of deportation and allow them to contribute even more to the country they love, which for many is the only country they have known. They would be able to reach their full potential in many ways, including serving in the military. The U.S. Conference of Mayors pledges to work with you to make this happen.”

See full text of the letter here.

The Conference of Mayors has had strong policy supporting DACA since the program began. At USCM’s Annual Meeting in June, the nation’s mayors passed a resolution to support extension of the DACA program and permanent legal status for Dreamers.

Mayors are available for interviews and broadcast appearances. Please contact Sara Durr at sara@durrcommunications.com or 202-215-1811 if interested.