ACLU Comment on Reports That Dream Legislation Will Be Attached to Year-End Spending Package

WASHINGTON — House Speaker Paul Ryan (R-Wis.) told Republicans today that legislation addressing Dreamers’ status will be included as part of the end of the year spending package, according to the Huffington Post.

Lorella Praeli, director of immigration policy and campaigns at the American Civil Liberties Union, had the following reaction:

“The urgency of action to protect Dreamers does not mean that Congress should load up a potential legislative package with unpopular and hardline immigration provisions that could not pass on their own.

“Much needed protections for young immigrants should not be traded in exchange for more detentions and deportations of their families and friends or with proposals to further militarize border communities.

“It’s up to responsible members of Congress from both parties to recognize what’s at stake and the urgent need for action on behalf of these young immigrants. They should not spend the holidays wondering if they will have to leave the country they call home.”