LULAC Commends Senators for Introducing BRIDGE Act to Protect DACA Recipients

December 9, 2016

WASHINGTON, DC - Today, Senate Minority Whip Richard J. Durbin(D-IL) and Senator Lindsey Graham(R-SC) introduced the BRIDGE Act, the Bar Removal of Immigrants Who Dream and Grow the Economy Act. The bill would provide three years of protection to individuals who came to United States as children. In response, LULAC National President, Roger C. Rocha, Jr. issued the following statement:

“LULAC applauds Senators Durbin and Graham for taking an important step that would allow innocent young people to continue to work hard, study, and serve in the military. After LULAC leaders met with several senate offices this week, including Senator Graham's, we commend the actions of the senators for recognizing the plight of these young immigrants and introducing legislation that will protect them. These children were brought to the United States through no fault of their own. This country is the only country they have ever known, and they deserve every opportunity to prove themselves and participate in the American Dream.”

The bill would allow an individual who currently has DACA status to receive a provisional protected status. An individual who is eligible but does not currently have protection under DACA could apply for the provisional protected status. In addition to meeting other criteria, applicants would be required to pay a fee and be subject to a criminal background check. In addition, the bill would protect the personal information given to the federal government by DACA applicants so that it cannot be used by federal agencies, except in cases of national security and felony investigations.

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The League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) is the nation’s largest and oldest civil rights volunteer-based organization that empowers Hispanic Americans and builds strong Latino communities. Headquartered in Washington, DC, with 1000 councils around the United States and Puerto Rico, LULAC’s programs, services and advocacy address the most important issues for Latinos, meeting critical needs of today and the future. For more information, visit www.lulac.org.