Donald M. Payne: “Congress must stop deferring the American Dream for bright young people simply because they were brought here as…”

“Congress must stop deferring the American Dream for bright young people simply because they were brought here as children. DACA recipients represent the best of our Nation. These are young people who are in school, got their education, or served in our Armed Forces. These are people who never committed a felony offense or significant misdemeanor. These are people who pose no threat to public safety. These are people who just want to live the American Dream, and each day that passes without Congress voting on the Dream Act darkens their futures. Mr. Speaker, if it is numbers my esteemed colleagues on the other side of the aisle want, I have got them. Deporting DACA recipients would cost the U.S. economy $400 billion. Deporting the 5,300 eligible people for DACA in my district alone would cost the economy $140 million. Aren't we supposed to be growing the economy, not shrinking it? ____________________”