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[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E719]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
AMERICAN DREAM AND PROMISE ACT OF 2019
______
speech of
HON. HENRY CUELLAR
of texas
in the house of representatives
Tuesday, June 4, 2019
Mr. CUELLAR. Mr. Speaker, I include in the Record the following
letter in support of H.R. 6, The American Dream and Promise Act of
2019.
Association of Jesuit
Colleges & Universities (AJCU),
May 31, 2019.
Hon. Henry Cuellar,
House of Representatives,
Washington, DC.
Dear Representative Cuellar: I write to you, an alum of one
of our nation's Jesuit colleges and universities, in support
of H.R. 6, the Dream and Promise Act of 2019, as it was
amended by the House Judiciary Committee earlier this month.
This is important legislation that clearly reflects the
values of Jesuit institutions across the country.
The Association of Jesuit Colleges and Universities (AJCU)
stated in 2016:
``Grounded in our Catholic and Jesuit mission, we are
guided by our commitment to uphold the dignity of every
person, to work for the common good of our nation, and to
promote a living faith that works for justice. We see our
work of teaching, scholarship and the formation of minds and
spirits as a sacred trust.
That calls us to labor for solidarity among all people, and
especially with and for the poor and marginalized in our
society. That trust calls us to embrace the entire human
family, regardless of their immigration status or religious
allegiance. And experience has shown us that our communities
are immeasurably enriched by the presence, intelligence and
contributions of undocumented students, as well as of faculty
and staff of every color and from every faith tradition.''
That statement went on to reaffirm our commitment to the
Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program.
Likewise, its principles lead us to strongly support passage
of H.R. 6, which would finally provide lawful permanent
resident status, and a pathway toward citizenship for the
Dreamers who are very much a part of Jesuit campus
communities across the nation. The presence of those young
people on our campuses has enabled us to come to know and
admire them. They have long considered the United States
their home and, in fact, many of them have hardly any
recollections of the countries where they were born. These
individuals are pursuing or have successfully completed at
least two years of higher education, served in our military
or been steadily employed.
Simply put, we cannot imagine not wanting these individuals
to remain a part of our country. Under provisions of H.R. 6,
those who qualify for the program cannot have committed a
felony or other serious crimes and can pose no threat to
national security or public safety. These individuals are
contributing to our society and our economy. They work and
pay taxes. Indeed, they have lived their lives as Americans,
but with the exception of having the legal status that they
well deserve. For too long, they have had to live with
uncertainty. With your help, by voting for H.R. 6, Congress
will have taken a major step to remedy that situation.
Sincerely,
Michael J. Sheeran, S.J.,
President, Association of Jesuit
Colleges and Universities.
____________________
