On the recordAugust 1, 2014
Who are these young people across America that these Republicans would deny a dream, whose lives they are so eager to disrupt tonight? Maria Rocha is one of them. She came here as a 3-year-old. I have rallied with this young, articulate woman in San Antonio for reform on several occasions. The first time Maria even knew she was an immigrant was when she was unable to apply for college financial assistance, so she worked three jobs. And because of the President's DACA executive order, she was able to graduate from UTSA. Now, she is teaching kindergarten. Another is Sheridan Aguirre. He was brought here as a 1-year-old. He told me: I was encouraged to go to college, but my legal status made it difficult for me to plan. Two years ago, I graduated as valedictorian of my high school and entered UT, where I have a 3.77 grade point average. Because of the President's executive order, I work, I own a car, I pay my rent, I can travel, I am sustainable, and I can live without fear. I need DACA so that I can go to graduate school and fulfill my career goals. Repealing DACA would be a huge step backwards for our country's history. Republicans would deny the right to learn, the right to work--and they would deny the dream. They would deny the hope for these young people and thousands of others across this country, who pledge allegiance to America, and have so much to contribute. The SPEAKER pro tempore. The time of the gentleman has expired.
