NEW YORK – Congressman Charles Rangel issued this statement following the Obama Administration’s announcement that the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) will prioritize immigration enforcement to handle hundreds of thousands of existing deportations on a case-by-case basis – including those involving of DREAM Act-eligible students--which could allow “low priority” deportees to live and work in the U.S.:

“I laud President Barack Obama and Secretary Janet Napolitano for taking another positive step to strongly enforce our nation’s immigration laws to prioritize the removal those who pose a threat to our national security, instead of innocent children of immigrants and veterans who salute the stars and stripes and call America home.  

Under the new plan, federal authorities will review individually all cases of immigrants currently in deportation proceedings. Those who have not committed crimes and who aren't considered a threat to public safety will have a chance to stay in the United States and to later apply for a work permit.

This positive action by the Obama Administration reaffirms our nation's values of promoting the security of the American people while opening doors for immigrants to contribute to the success of our great country.  It also honors the contributions immigrants make to this country since its founding, all those who have brought their skills and optimism in search of the American Dream. 

For a long time, House Democrats tried to move our nation in a similar direction by passing the DREAM Act with a bipartisan vote to give immigrant students who came to the U.S. as children the opportunity to earn legal status by graduating from high school or obtaining a GED, and by completing two years of college or military service in good standing.  Yet last year Senate Republicans blocked the passage of the DREAM Act, putting thousands of students at risk of deportation and taking away their opportunity to reach their full potential here in the U.S. 

With this encouraging support from the Administration, my Democratic Colleagues and I will continue to fight for the passage of the DREAM Act which would allow some of the best and brightest students in our country to help America maintain its greatness and remain globally competitive."