Senator Dianne Feinstein of California has announced that she will not vote for any government spending bill unless it includes legislation to protect Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) recipients:
“It’s absolutely unconscionable that Republicans are leaving these items out of their bill to fund the government. Given the lack of any realistic plan to pass the Dream Act and long-term CHIP funding, it’s my intention to vote against the continuing resolution.
“Around one-third of all young people protected by DACA live in California. I’ve talked with them, I’ve met with them, I understand their plight and it breaks my heart. In California, 200,000 DACA youth are living in fear. The government knows where they live, where they study and where they work, and unless Congress acts, they know the government can show up at any moment and deport them.
“To allow these young people to suffer is tragic.”
The announcement came hours after immigrant youth organizations and allies took over several of Sen. Feinstein’s offices, asking her to stand by undocumented immigrant youth. Sen. Feinstein followed up her official statement with a video from immigrant youth organization, United We Dream.
Thank you to the senator for doing the right thing. All Democrats must keep holding the line as we keep up on the fire on Republican House Speaker Paul Ryan, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, and congressional Republicans. Make a call today and demand Congress vote on the DREAM Act now.