Governor Polis Urges Congress to Pass Comprehensive Immigration Reform & Protection for Dreamers

Press Release

Colorado Governor Jared Polis sent a letter last week to Congressional leadership urging action to protect the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) policy in light of judicial threats to important protection for Colorado and the nation's immigrant communities. Congress reconvened this week.

"Congress must ultimately act to pass fair and humane immigration reform, and protecting DACA recipients in law is a critical and timely first step," Gov. Polis wrote in the letter to Speaker Pelosi, Leader Schumer, Minority Leader McConnell, and Minority Leader McCarthy. 

"As of 2019, only 64% of DACA-eligible immigrants in Colorado had applied for the protection, and the litigation which has stopped all processing of new applications is harming Colorado's economy. Colorado needs workers to fill the labor shortages that are in our state," the Governor's letter continues. 

"I call on Congress, without further delay during this lame duck session, to enact legislation that provides permanent solutions for Dreamers and immigrant youth. I stand in solidarity with immigrant communities and vow to continue supporting all immigrants living in our cities and counties and to continue to make Colorado, a Colorado for all. The time to act is now," the letter continues. 

Governor Polis has continued to advocate for DACA as key to Colorado's economic and cultural vitality throughout his time as Governor. The Polis-Primavera Administration has taken bold steps since day one to protect Colorado's vibrant immigrant communities. In 2019, the Polis administration established the New American Initiative to help the state address barriers to immigrant integration in Colorado. 

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