Walz Hears from Rochester Dreamers, Talks Comprehensive Immigration Reform

Press Release

Today, U.S. Representative Tim Walz (MN-01) heard from Dreamers and local community members regarding their stories and the need for Congressional action on immigration reform.

"Let me be clear: these children are Americans. This is their home. Deporting Dreamers, who contribute much to our society, harms our economy and our moral fabric," said Rep. Tim Walz. "Congress must act. I call on Speaker Ryan and my Republican colleagues, some of whom have already expressed their support for DACA, to act immediately. This moment requires them to put their country and human decency over politics, and I stand ready to work with them on this issue, as well as comprehensive immigration reform."

Walz heard from participants about the real life impacts of immigration policy on their lives and on the community of Rochester.

"This administration has put in danger more than half a million young people, including myself and my family," said Marco Loera, a Rochester Dreamer. "Taking DACA away not only hurts Dreamers, but it also jeopardizes entire families that depend on those with DACA status. Congress needs to act and pass a clean bill that helps both Dreamers and their parents."

In August 2017, President Trump announced he was ending DACA protections for young undocumented immigrants, setting up a March 5th deadline for Congress to act to restore these protections. At the time, Walz spoke out against the decision and sent this letter to President Trump, asking him to reverse course.

"I will take the stories I heard today with me to Washington. Each one of these Dreamers is a reason we need to act," concluded Walz.

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