Dick Durbin: “Today the Senate confirmed William Sanchez to be the Special Counsel for Immigration-Related Unfair Employment Practices…”

“Today the Senate confirmed William Sanchez to be the Special Counsel for Immigration-Related Unfair Employment Practices in the Civil Rights Division of the U.S. Department of Justice. I do not oppose his confirmation, but I have serious concerns about the Justice Department's decision in September to postpone an important, statutorily-authorized grant program until Mr. Sanchez's confirmation. Now that Mr. Sanchez has been confirmed, I urge the Justice Department to reinstate the grant program at once. This Civil Rights Division grant program plays a critical role in protecting the rights of immigrant workers. Every year since 1991, nonprofit organizations throughout the Nation have received these grants to educate workers about their rights to a workplace free of discrimination and abuse. These organizations play a vital role in educating employers and the public about the civil rights and immigration laws Congress has passed to protect U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents, refugees, and asylees.”