In my neck of the woods, James Cargas, candidate for Congressional District 7, seems ready to take on anti-immigrant John Culberson on the issue.
I applaud the President for taking action where Congress has once again, failed to do so.
Congress is not off the hook. Comprehensive immigration reform is still demanded because the President is unable to fully implement the DREAM Act without Congressional approval. Unilateral action is not the best solution, nor is it a permanent solution, but it represents a step forward out of the political quagmire. It is refreshing to see someone in Washington, D.C. doing something!
My wife has taken a different path immigrating legally to America. She came here after high school in Greece, attended college, earned her master’s degree and then her Ph.D. She has lived, studied and worked in America, and paid taxes along the way. She is now a neuroscientist at the Texas Medical Center. She has not taken a job from an American. Our economy is thirsty for talent like hers. We have always been a nation that rewards hard work and accomplishment. The young men and women who will benefit from the President’s new guidelines did not grow up in their homeland; they grew up here with American values and culture.
Obama! Obama! – Gilbert Hinojosa, Texas Democratic Chair
The President’s position lies in stark contrast to that of Mitt Romney who has the most extreme position of any presidential candidate in history. It’s also in sharp contrast to the “Bracero” type guest worker program that the Texas Republican Party is touting as a signature piece in their platform. Republicans are willing to turn their back on young people who are faced with the prospect of deportation and an inability to find gainful employment unless such young people are part of a “Bracero” guest worker program.
Lane Lewis, Harris County Democratic Party Chair
President Obama’s move relieves the fears of many families of being split up and is a first, giant step toward fair, humane and responsible national immigration law.
The Harris County Democratic Party applauds President Obama. Democrats are focused on progress and this is a historic step toward making better lives for all.
Texas Senator Rodney Ellis (D) Houston, District 13
I hope that this kick starts action on a more comprehensive plan to address the immigration issue and spurs Congress to pass the DREAM Act.
“So how do we deal with the reality that there are millions here striving to achieve that American Dream? The first step is for Congress to pass the DREAM Act, a simple, bipartisan, common sense proposal which provides a qualified path to citizenship to talented, responsible students. It will help over 2 million young people in the country – and more than a quarter of a million in Texas — earn a path to legalization through higher education or military service. It will also add billions of dollars to our nation’s economy through both income gains and innovation, and create a new generation of Americans dedicated to our principles and ideals. It is time for Congress to put politics and rhetoric aside and do what is right and just for millions.
State Rep. Garnet Coleman (D) Houston
I am proud to stand firmly behind President Obama’s decision that it is time to stop punishing hardworking, law-abiding youths and other individuals for choices they had no control over.
Meanwhile, Republicans here in Texas and nationally have remained firm in their callous opposition to measures such as this. Just last weekend, the Texas Republican Party reaffirmed in their party’s platform that they oppose both the DREAM Act and birthright citizenship.
We should all recognize that immigration is not a threat; it is a strength. We are a nation of immigrants, and we should not turn our back on the very foundations that make us great.
State Rep. Roberto Alonzo (D) Dallas
“As I have consistently said in the past, an educated citizenry is the engine that will drive our economy forward, not only in Texas, but across the country. I am convinced that this Obama federal policy change is a step in the right direction and reminds me of what we did in the Texas legislature over one year ago to protect Texas immigrant students and their education.”
Jim Dougherty, Candidate for Congress, District 2
The President was right-on again with the Executive Order for the young immigrants growing up in our country, who will now be able to lend their talents and energy to enriching the fabric of our society. It was the right thing to do for them and for who we are as a people. Let’s hope Congress next comes on board with a full path to citizenship- a real Dream Act. November everybody!
Texas Senator Mario Gallegos (D) Houston-District 6
“This policy change is not a complete fix for our immigration system, however. Changes are still needed to ensure that we have immigration policies that allow hard working people from around the world to live and work in our country while contributing to our economy and society. I hope that Congress will take a cue from the President’s bold decision and start to make real progress towards fixing our immigration system.”
Seeking out more quotes. Stay connected.
