[Congressional Record Volume 163, Number 19 (Friday, February 3, 2017)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E140]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




INTRODUCTION OF THE DREAMERS, IMMIGRANTS, AND REFUGEES (DIRE) LEGAL AID 
                                  ACT

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                          HON. J. LUIS CORREA

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Friday, February 3, 2017

  Mr. CORREA. Mr. Speaker, today, I am introducing the DREAMers, 
Immigrants, and Refugees (DIRe) Act. This legislation will provide 
funds for legal services to protect DREAMers, immigrants, and refugees 
from President Trump's Executive Order.
  Last week, I held an immigration town hall. Scores of my constituents 
attended because they were afraid for their families and communities. 
This was before the Executive Order was released. When I was at the Los 
Angeles International Airport (LAX) on Saturday, I saw this fear 
escalate. Immigrants and refugees were unjustifiably detained and 
denied access to counsel at airports across our country. President 
Trump's Executive Order directly challenges the right to due process, 
which is guaranteed under our Constitution. My legislation will 
guarantee that DREAMers, immigrants, and refugees have access to legal 
aid.
  I am deeply concerned about the actions taken by the Trump 
Administration. The refugees that have been granted status by the U.S. 
Government undergo an intensive security screening process that takes 
an average of 18 to 24 months. The security screening is performed by 
multiple federal agencies, including the National Counterterrorism 
Center, the FBI Terrorist Screening Center, the Department of Homeland 
Security, the State Department, and the Department of Defense. The 
security screening that refugees undergo is the most intensive of any 
individual entering the United States.
  It is sad that the Trump Administration would detain individuals, who 
fear for their lives in their home countries and seek refuge in the 
United States, with the intent to deport them back into harm's way. 
These actions are a misrepresentation of our American values. Our 
country has always stood up for the oppressed and welcomed the 
persecuted. It is un-American to turn our backs on those that need our 
help the most.
  If we wish to remain a beacon of freedom to the world, we must stand 
up for the immigrants and refugees looking towards the United States 
for hope. We cannot just claim we are the greatest nation in the world. 
We actually have to act like it too.

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