Congressman Garcia on Sec. Johnson Testifying before Judiciary Committee

Earlier today [May 29, 2014], Homeland Security Secretary, Jeh Johnson, appeared before the House Judiciary Committee. At the hearing, Congressman Garcia questioned Secretary Johnson regarding the implementation of Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) and his ongoing review of immigration policies, specifically with regards to the controversial Secure Communities program. Following the hearing, Garcia released this statement –

“With the second anniversary of DACA approaching, we are reminded, yet again, of the grave need to pass comprehensive immigration reform. As the Secretary stated, the program is working smoothly and has provided relief for hundreds of thousands of young people.  I also noted, and he agreed, that there remain those who fall short of qualifying for DACA but clearly fit the spirit of the program.  It simply shouldn’t be our country’s policy to abandon those people who have worked hard, served their communities, and are American in every way but on paper. This administration has chosen to allow more time before presenting their review of our nation’s deportation policies.  It is my sincere hope that come August, we are not met with yet another set of excuses and empty promises from Republican leadership in the House.  I was encouraged by Secretary Johnson’s candor and commitment to addressing the challenges facing our immigration system, but there is still much left to do.”