Washington, DC – Tonight, Congresswoman Terri A. Sewell (AL-07) voted against H.R. 5230, the Republican Appropriations Bill to Address the Southwest Border Crisis and H.R. 5232, which eliminates the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA). Congresswoman Sewell released the following statement following her vote:

“Tonight, I voted against H.R. 5230 and Republican attempts to end the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program and undermine protections afforded to immigrant children fleeing persecution and violence,” said Rep. Sewell. “These attempts fail to adequately address the emergency border crisis that our nation is facing and undermine protections afforded to immigrant children. Unfortunately, House Republicans have squandered this opportunity and put forth a bill that is woefully underfunded, rolls back critical protections that Congress previously extended and does not provide a real solution to fixing our broken immigration system. The humanitarian crisis at the border underscores the urgent need for comprehensive immigration reform.”

“In lieu of compromise legislation, this bill is a piecemeal attempt that does not sensibly and adequately address this crisis. This bill ignores Congress’ intent and subjects these vulnerable children to return to life threatening situations including trafficking, persecution, violence, and abuse.  Further, it subjects all children to the dangerous and cursory screenings that currently apply only to unaccompanied children from contiguous countries and denies the fundamental right to a due process hearing.  We must prioritize the protection of these children and ensure that our laws are followed by providing each child with a deportation hearing. We have a moral responsibility to protect and treat unaccompanied children with care and compassion as they await due process.” Rep. Sewell concluded, “I renew my call for a comprehensive bipartisan immigration bill that adequately funds and addresses this humanitarian challenge.”

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