CHC Chair Gonzalez on California's DREAM ACT

Press Release

San Antonio Congressman and Chairman of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus Charles A. Gonzalez (TX 20), along with several members of the California delegation, released statements in response to California Governor Jerry Brown's signing the California DREAM Act (ABA131) into law:

"I commend Governor Brown for signing this vital legislation into law and demonstrating that there are ways to solve immigration problems that actually help the economy.

"We cannot jeopardize the future of our country by restricting the opportunities of those who have faced the odds, earned competitive grades and have persevered to earn a college education. Our DREAMers are vital to the future of our nation's economic security. Their drive to succeed strengthens America's entrepreneurial spirit and their relatively young age accelerates the growth of our economy. A diverse workforce also gives our economy a competitive advantage in the global marketplace.

"There is no other law in this country where a child is punished for the actions of its parent and we, as elected officials, must do everything within our power to ensure those who work hard and play by the rules have access to pursue the American dream."

Rep. Xavier Becerra (CA-31)

"As a proud Californian, I applaud Governor Jerry Brown for signing into law the California DREAM Act--a law that gives hope and opportunity to hardworking, achieving young people who are college bound. Where the federal government has failed to act, states including Illinois, New York and now California have led the way with sensible reforms to our broken immigration system."

Rep. Linda T. Sánchez (CA-39)

"I applaud Governor Brown for signing California's DREAM Act into law. I encourage the House Republican leadership to take action and address our broken immigration system at the national level by supporting the DREAM Act, common sense immigration reform I proudly supported in the last Congress. We shouldn't penalize hard-working students who want to give back to the country they call home. We should allow them the ability to contribute to our economic recovery or defend our nation."

Rep. Lucille Roybal-Allard (CA 34)

"The California Dream Act represents an extraordinary step forward for our state and for the thousands of undocumented students who have called it home for most of their lives. By lowering the financial barriers to higher education for these talented young people, we are empowering them to give back to their communities by becoming the entrepreneurs and innovators who will help fuel California's future prosperity. Now the challenge for all of us in Congress is to duplicate this remarkable accomplishment. Let's finally pass the Dream Act and give these patriotic kids a fair shot at success in the only country they have ever known."

Rep. Grace Napolitano (CA 38)

"These students have excelled through hard work, and we will be stronger, safer, and more prosperous if we allow them to fully contribute to our society. I commend the state of California for enacting this historic legislation."

Rep. Joe Baca (CA 43)

"It is wrong to unfairly punish those young people who came to this country at an early age through no fault of their own. I commend Governor Brown for taking decisive action on the California DREAM Act, which strengthens our California communities and ensures greater fairness and equality. In Congress, I will continue to advocate for legislation like the PROUD Act and the DREAM Act, which create more opportunities for young people who want to contribute to a stronger, more vibrant America."