Since Senators Thom Tillis (R-NC), James Lankford (R-OK), and Orrin Hatch (R-UT) introduced the Solution for Undocumented Children through Careers, Employment, Education, and Defending our Nation (SUCCEED) Act on September 25, 2017, many groups and organizations have expressed their support for the Senate GOP Dreamer fix. Here are some of their statements:
Jerry Taylor, President of the Niskanen Center wrote, “I applaud Senators Tillis and Lankford for demonstrating bold leadership and dedication in identifying constructive, conservative solutions to our nation’s most difficult problems. This permanent, legislative, Republican-led initiative protects Dreamers who work, study, or serve in the military. Republicans should embrace this historic opportunity to pass meaningful immigration reform.” (Source)
Theresa Cardinal Brown, Director of Immigration and Cross-Border Policy at the Bipartisan Policy Center wrote, “I am encouraged that Sens. Thom Tillis (R-NC), James Lankford (R-OK), and Orrin Hatch (R-UT) have today announced their own legislation aimed at providing permanent status for young people brought to the United States illegally through no fault of their own.”
The U.S. Chamber of Commerce wrote, “The U.S. Chamber of Commerce is encouraged by the introduction of the SUCCEED Act by Senators Tillis and Lankford. The SUCCEED Act helps chart a path forward in making permanent the types of protections contained in the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program.”
FWD.us wrote, “We’re encouraged to see Senator Tillis, Senator Lankford, and Senator Hatch join President Trump and the 75% of Republicans who want Congress to pass legislation to allow Dreamers to stay permanently in the only country they know as home. No legislation is perfect, but it is critical that any bill that makes its way to the President’s desk ensures due process protections for these hardworking young people, and includes a reasonable pathway to citizenship. We need to be clear that talk and assurances mean nothing without a law signed into place, and we urge every single member of Congress to cosponsor bipartisan legislation to protect Dreamers without delay.”
The Hispanic Leadership Fund wrote, “The Hispanic Leadership Fund applauds Republican Senators Tillis, Lankford, and Hatch for introducing the SUCCEED Act. This bill is a great step toward a reasonable and constructive conservative solution to the Dreamer issue.” (Source)
Daniel Garza, President of the LIBRE Initiative, wrote, “A number of conservative lawmakers in the House and Senate have introduced legislative proposals to address this challenge. We are grateful for their leadership on this important issue.” (Source)
Alex Nowrasteh, Immigration Policy Analyst at the Cato Institute wrote that “the SUCCEED Act will diminish deficits.” (Source)
The Sutherland Institute, a conservative think tank in Utah, Tweeted, “We support the SUCCEED Act because it is good immigration policy”. (Source)
Linda Moore, TechNet president, wrote, “The clock is running on Dreamers, and March 5 will be here before we know it. We appreciate the sense of urgency Senators Tillis, Lankford, and Hatch are demonstrating on this issue and for putting forward a serious proposal for Congress to consider. Deporting 800,000 Dreamers would hurt our economy, and unrightfully punish children for the actions of their parents. Neither is good for America. It’s time for Congress to act and make sure politics doesn’t get in the way of providing relief for these young people.” (Source)
John Feinblatt of the New American Economy wrote, “This is a pragmatic approach that gets Congress closer to yes on immigration reform. Talented, hard-working young immigrants brought to our country as children have earned the chance to pursue the American Dream, and it makes economic sense to invest in their futures.” (Source)
IBM tweeted, “We applaud @SenThomTillis, @SenatorLankford, @senorrinhatch for efforts to provide certainty for #Dreamers. #DACA” (Source)
Jason Mathis, Executive Vice President of the Salt Lake City Chamber of Commerce wrote, “Senator Hatch continues to look for thoughtful solutions for immigrants, their families and the communities where they live and work. We appreciate his commitment to helping DACA recipients and encourage him to keep leading on common sense, bipartisan solutions.” (Source)
Stan Lockhart, Former Utah Republican Party Chairman wrote, “The latest proposal co-sponsored by Senator Hatch takes a productive step in the right direction to find a solution for DACA recipients. There is still work needed to be done, and I am encouraged by the urgency the SUCCEED Act brings to the table to help keep our immigrant neighbors in the economy to benefit the lives of us all.” (Source)
Erika Lucas, Founder and CEO of Stitch Crew wrote, “I’m encouraged to see Senator Lankford acknowledge the need to bring solutions to the table that protect the DACA recipients in our state. They are integral to our economic future, and we must do everything we can to ensure a resolution that allows them to remain here and further contribute to our state’s success. I look forward to a renewed commitment by Congress to move the ball forward on modern immigration reform that helps keep foreign talent in our workforce.” (Source)
Shelley Cadamy, Executive Director of Workforce Tulsa wrote, “I applaud this commonsense proposal that helps ensure we maintain the qualified and skilled workforce desperately needed in Tulsa and across the state of Oklahoma. Only by retaining these vital workers can we ensure the necessary economic momentum our state needs.” (Source)
Mike Carrier, President of Oklahoma City Convention and Visitor’s Bureau wrote, “Senator Lankford has been a strong supporter of the tourism industry since he first went to Washington. His co-sponsorship of the SUCCEED Act is a positive step in helping assure DREAMers that they have a secure place in America and the American business community. We sincerely appreciate his leadership on this very important program.” (Source)
Justice Robert F. Orr, North Carolina Supreme Court (retired) wrote, “It is encouraging to see that Senator Tillis is working to keep these young DREAMERs in positions where they can continue to contribute to our great country. I am hopeful that Senator Tillis will keep the momentum going and work with his colleagues to come to a balanced resolution for our broken immigration system.” (Source)
Mayor Pro Tem Steve Rao, Town of Morrisville wrote, “I want to thank Senator Thom Tillis for leading efforts to keep our DREAMERS in the United States so we can leverage their tremendous economic contributions to this nation. Taking these steps will enable our country to continue to address comprehensive immigration reform, while at the same time, allowing these youth to continue to Dream Big, to grow jobs, create companies, and continue to grow our tax revenue. This sends a message to the world that our nation continues to serve as a destination to the best and brightest minds and talent in the world.” (Source)
Ed McMahan, former member of the North Carolina House wrote, “I applaud Senator Tillis in taking productive steps in the right direction with the SUCCEED proposal. Recognizing the positive contributions that DREAMers have on our economy is a meaningful start in addressing our need for a bi-partisan approach to comprehensive immigration reform.” (Source)
Fox News: Republican senators offer conservative alternative to the DREAM Act (Source)
The Editorial Board of the Washington Post wrote, “Under the measure, known as the Succeed Act and co-sponsored by GOP Sens. Thom Tillis (N.C.) and James Lankford (Okla.), dreamers would be granted what amounts to a 15-year pathway to citizenship, during which they would be required to graduate from college, serve in the military or maintain steady employment. After 10 years, they’d be eligible for permanent legal residence, though it would come with a significant asterisk: Unlike other green-card holders, they could not sponsor foreign-born relatives for entry into the United States. That doesn’t strike us as too high a price to settle the dreamers issue once and for all…” (Source)
Julian Canete, CEO of the California Hispanic Chamber of Commerce wrote, “For too long, our immigration system has been outdated and not suited for the twenty-first century economy. With the introduction of the SUCCEED Act, we are now moving in the right direction toward fixing our system and allowing DREAMers to continue to contribute to our economy and fulfill their dreams right here in America.” (Source)
Paola Avila, Vice President of International Business Affairs at the San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce wrote, “The DREAMer population in California is the largest in the United States. Our communities understand the great benefits that DREAMers provide, as they enhance our economies by opening their own businesses and help our businesses grow by filling workforce shortage gaps. The SUCCEED Act takes all of this into account, and I urge the California Congressional Delegation to help keep our DREAMers right here in our neighborhoods. They are upstanding citizens and they deserve an updated immigration system that works for them and our country.” (Source)
Robert Golden, President and CEO of the South Metro Denver Chamber of Commerce wrote, “With these proposals, Congress is on the correct path to fixing our broken immigration system. The DREAMers throughout the country and here in Colorado contribute to our economy and help enhance our state’s talent base. The SUCCEED Act takes into account the benefits DREAMers bring to our state and understands the detriments to our economy if they were forced to leave. I hope that Senator Gardner works together with his fellow colleagues to push the immigration reform discussion forward and pass a fix by the end of this year.” (Source)
Jeff Wasden, President of the Colorado Business Roundtable wrote, “Business development plays a key role in growing the economy. The DREAMers right here in Colorado are helping in that regard by filling workforce shortages and are even opening their own businesses. The SUCCEED Act, the latest immigration reform bill introduced, works to keep our immigrant neighbors where they are, as contributors. This bill takes a positive step toward in making our immigration system reflective of the twenty-first century. There is still much work to do be done, but this act ensures DREAMers will continue to have a future in this state.” (Source)
Clarence Low, President of the Asian Chamber of Commerce of Colorado wrote, “The SUCCEED Act is the latest proposed fix for the DACA population, and works to address the challenges the DACA recipients face here in Colorado and across the country. Our current immigration system is a challenge to our Asian immigrant community and those who are part of the DACA program, whose only wish is to be able to stay and contribute in America. I hope that Senator Gardner is responsive to his constituents and works to protect our communities, and in turn our economy.” (Source)
Rob Barron, Des Moines School Board member wrote, “Congress has the opportunity to affirmatively address and resolve the uncertain future of DACA recipients, many with exceptional talent that American needs. I’m pleased that Senators Tillis, Lankford and Hatch have provided a starting point to discuss potential solutions to protecting these young, hardworking DREAMers.” (Source)
Isaiah McGee, Principal Partner at Equity and Justice Consulting wrote, “DREAMers are the epitome of young, hardworking individuals, and they simply want the opportunity to contribute to the home they’ve only known. I appreciate the Senate Republicans’ commitment to finding potential solutions to keeping DACA recipients in the U.S. I encourage our Iowa congressional members to continue to be a part of the discussion toward a thoughtful, bipartisan resolution.” (Source)
Jerry Fuentes, President of AT&T Arizona and New Mexico wrote, “The SUCCEED Act is a necessary step toward fixing our outdated and broken immigration system. Reform is desperately needed and the DREAMers in this country must be allowed to continue their contributions to Arizona. The SUCCEED Act calls on Congress to take action and there is much work that needs to be done. I urge Senator McCain and Senator Flake to take a serious look at this act while keeping the needs of our DREAMers in mind to further this discussion and bring economic success to this state.” (Source)
Glenn Hamer, President and CEO of the Arizona Chamber of Commerce and Industry wrote “It’s encouraging that we have another legislative option on the table to extend to DACA recipients permanent legal protections. Time is growing short, however. Congress needs to do its job quickly and find a way to adopt legislation that settles the DACA issue and ensures that individuals who are making a positive contribution to American society can remain here.” (Source)
Charles Baesler Jr., Immigration Attorney at Stoll Keenon Ogden PLLC wrote, “I am encouraged to see that Senate Republicans have acknowledged the urgency of this issue and have begun to provide a framework on solutions for our DACA recipients. These talented and motivated young people are a critical part of our workforce, and deserve to spend their bright futures right here in America.” (Source)
Luis David Fuentes, Owner and Publisher of El Kentubano in Frankfurt, KY wrote, “It is great to see that our government is recognizing the value that our hardworking DACA recipients have on our country. I believe the SUCCEED Act is a step in the right direction in finding a real, permanent solution to provide these young individuals with a path towards citizenship, allowing them to continue to pursue the American dream. I hope our state delegation works hard to help bring a solution this year.” (Source)
The Most Reverend Paul S. Coakley, archbishop of the Oklahoma City archdiocese wrote, “The Catholic bishops of the United States have long supported responsible measures in Congress that take into consideration the significant nuances of immigration policy and, in particular, offer a balance of respect for the rule of law with our nation’s long history of respect for human dignity. We believe Sen. Lankford’s measure meets that criterion as a first step toward mending our broken immigration system.” (Source)
The Most Reverend David A. Konderla, bishop of the Diocese of Tulsa wrote, “The Succeed Act offers an opportunity for a critical initial solution in what will almost certainly be a very long process of addressing the many components of federal law in need of repair. The bill also takes into account the human element in that the nearly one million DACA youth, though not in the United States legally, have no knowledge or experience of any other country. It encourages their continued participation and contribution to our nation as they seek to reach the fullness of their God-given potential.” (Source)
Photo credit: Андрей Бобровский via Wikimedia Commons