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Pelosi Statement on Obama Administration’s Decision to Prioritize Immigration Enforcement

August 18, 2011

Contact: Nadeam Elshami/Drew Hammill, 202-226-7616

San Francisco – Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi released this statement following the Obama Administration’s announcement that it will prioritize immigration enforcement for the removal of criminals and others who pose a threat to national security:

“Today, the Obama Administration took another positive step to strongly enforce our nation’s immigration laws. The Administration will now prioritize the removal of criminals and those who pose a threat to our national security, instead of children who call the United States home, and immigrants, such as veterans, who positively contribute to our nation. That means we are focusing our efforts where they matter the most, promoting the security of the American people, and staying true to our American values.

“Last year, House Democrats tried to move our nation in a similar direction by passing the DREAM Act with a bipartisan vote; this would have given hundreds of thousands of young people brought to our country without a choice the chance to earn legal status. But Senate Republicans obstructed progress, and now, many months of the Republican majority have gone by with no action on comprehensive immigration reform. The challenge of reforming America’s immigration laws is too great to be ignored.

“It is my hope that today’s action by the Administration will result in the suspension of immigration proceedings against gays and lesbians who have petitioned for their spouses, such as my constituents, Bradford Wells and Anthony John Makk, who face separation because of the discriminatory Defense of Marriage Act.

“This action honors the contributions immigrants make to this country; since our nation’s founding, those who have come to our shores to be part of the American dream have brought their hopes, aspirations, and optimism for a better future.”

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