CNSI Leaders Call on Congress to Enact Permanent Solutions for Dreamers

Leaders of the Council on National Security and Immigration are calling on Congress to take action and create a pathway for Dreamers to earn legal status.

A joint statement from CNSI reads:

“Friday’s DACA ruling makes even more urgent the need for Congress to create a way for Dreamers to earn legal status and eventual citizenship — including those now ineligible to apply for DACA. Dreamers are present in the United States through no fault of their own and have been admirable contributors to our communities, our economy, and our military. They have demonstrated themselves as Americans in every sense of the word.

“As leaders in the national security and homeland security space, we believe Dreamers deserve an opportunity to remain and thrive in the United States and recognize their potential to serve our great nation. Dreamers should be able to contribute to our country without fear of deportation. They should have the opportunity to earn permanent legal immigration status and eventual citizenship. After a decade where legalizing Dreamers has been held hostage to unrelated immigration proposals, Congress now must act swiftly. A solution will only benefit our nation and our national security interests.”

Four CNSI members commented separately:

“A lasting solution for Dreamers is ripe for bipartisan action in Congress.  It has become increasingly clear that only Congress can solve this problem.  Democrats and Republicans have, in the recent past, demonstrated that they can come together to solve issues impactful on our national security. I am convinced that, if provided a pathway to citizenship, Dreamers will continue to benefit our country and bolster our long-term national security.  Now is the time for Congress to act.”

– Scott Boylan, Partner at StoneTurn; Former Senior Advisory to the Secretary at the Department of Homeland Security

“A strong economy is integral to our national security, and Dreamers are an important part of the American workforce. Judge Hanen’s decision makes it clear that Congress must step in to provide a pathway to citizenship for Dreamers who contribute to their communities and their country – the only home many of them have ever known. At this point, threats aren’t helpful – real, long-term policy is.”

–Elaine Dezenski, Chief Growth Officer, Blank Slate Technologies; Former Assistant Secretary for Policy Development at the U.S. Department of Homeland Security

“A permanent solution for Dreamers isn’t just the humane thing to do – it’s the smart thing to do. Enhancing legal participation in our communities advances our long-term national security interests.  Dreamers are students, essential workers, entrepreneurs, and service members in uniform. Given the opportunity to earn legal status, Dreamers will make significant contributions to American society, the economy, and our military. Congress must move swiftly to enhance our national security and redeem our national heritage.”

– Paul Rosenzweig, Founder of Red Branch Consulting; Former Deputy Assistant Secretary for Policy at the U.S. Department of Homeland Security

“For years, Democrats and Republicans have strived to reach compromise on immigration – there is much that can and should be debated. But providing Dreamers the opportunity to earn legal status should not be controversial. Dreamers are workers, students, and contributors to our economy and society, and they deserve a chance to realize their full potential as American citizens. It’s a no-brainer.”

–  Stewart Verdery, Founder and CEO of Monument Advocacy; Former Assistant Secretary for Border and Transportation Security Policy and Planning at the U.S. Department of Homeland Security