A group associated with the organization founded by GOP mega-donors Charles and David Koch will host a policy forum Wednesday on Capitol Hill to discuss the state of legislation to protect so-called Dreamers.
Sen. James Lankford (R-Okla.) and Rep. Jeff Denham (R-Calif.) are scheduled to speak at the event hosted by The Libre Initiative, the Koch network’s Hispanic advocacy group. The forum will also include a panel discussion focused on “current legislative efforts, upcoming opportunities, and feasible goals for permanent solutions,” according to Libre.
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“The current uncertainty facing Dreamers, who know no other home than America, makes it difficult for them to plan their future – and that makes things harder for their families, communities, and others who benefit from their contributions,” said Daniel Garza, president of The Libre Initiative.
The Libre Initiative and other groups in the Koch network were among those who banded together with Democrats in pursuing legislation to replace the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program, rescinded by President Trump in September.
Those efforts came to a head last month when a group of centrist Republicans led by Denham challenged House GOP leaders to try to force a floor vote on bipartisan legislation.
The centrist upheaval was eventually tamped down by leadership, who allowed a vote on a hardline Republican immigration bill and another bill born of a consensus between conservatives and centrists in the GOP.
Both bills failed to pass the House, and the issue seems stalled until after November’s midterm elections.
The situation for Dreamers — DACA recipients and other undocumented immigrants who arrived in the country as minors — remains fragile, as their work permits and deferral from deportation are held up only by judicial decisions.
“It is more important than ever we continue the discussion and not accept anything less than bipartisan legislative that accomplishes a goal that 90 percent of Americans support,” said Garza.