Washington, D.C., Sept. 05, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) --  

Javier Palomarez, President & CEO of the United states Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (USHCC), issued the following statement after President Trump announced the termination of the Deferred action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program.

The USHCC vehemently opposes the President’s inhumane and economically harmful decision to terminate DACA, which was enacted to shield almost 800,000 individuals who were brought to this country through no fault of their own, and who have already been vetted for criminal backgrounds.

This disgraceful action goes against not only the values of this country, but also against the promise of this administration to focus homeland security resources towards individuals who have committed violent crimes and pose a threat to communities across the country.

Moreover, rescinding the work permits of almost 800,000 people and forcing them into the shadows is reckless economic policy. Ending the DACA program will increase the undocumented population in the U.S. and cost the country $280 billion in lost economic growth over the next decade, according to a recent study by the CATO Institute.

As a nation of immigrants, we have a moral responsibility to support and defend “Dreamers”, who arrived to this country - at the average age of six - through no fault of their own. These individuals have already become dynamic contributors to our American economy and play an important role in our communities.

Let's lay the truth bare: President Trump has knowingly deceived the American people over the past seven months about his intentions to protect the innocent young men and women of the DACA program. “Rest easy,” he assured Dreamers, while clarifying that his administration was, “not after the Dreamers, we are after criminals." Now they cannot rest easy. Now they will be awake at night wondering whether tomorrow will be their last day on American soil.

The President misled our country by fabricating a position and making promise, only to turn around and do the complete opposite. This administration’s pro-growth agenda has sadly fallen to irrelevancy with the President’s lack of leadership, constant distractions, and inability to unite the country.

I will never cease advocating for pro-growth policies to benefit the 4.2 million Hispanic-owned businesses across the country with our Congress and Administration, but I have decided to officially resign from the President’s National Diversity Coalition effective immediately.

Our association stands committed to working with members on both sides of the aisle, to achieve a compassionate and sound solution on this issue. It is now up to our Congress to unite and pass meaningful legislation that will protect Dreamers.

About the USHCC

The USHCC actively promotes the economic growth, development and interests of more than 4.2 million Hispanic-owned businesses, that combined, contribute over $668 billion to the American economy every year. It also advocates on behalf of 260 major American corporations and serves as the umbrella organization for more than 200 local chambers and business associations nationwide. For more information, visit ushcc.com. Follow us on Twitter @USHCC.

Attachments:

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at http://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/79771e30-c12c-4c63-bd88-2b1d186b18b7

Communications Team
United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce
press@ushcc.com