Young Voters React to the Biden Administration’s Proposed Immigration Deal
In response to the White House informing members of Congress of a new proposed immigration policy, NextGen America released the following statements:
NextGen America President, Cristina Tzintzún Ramirez:
“We must see this proposal for what it actually is: a response to extremist Republicans so hell-bent on enacting an inhumane border policy they’re willing to jeopardize our national security by withholding aid to allies like Ukraine. These sweeping changes would allow a new border authority to expel migrants without asylum screenings, and would expand immigration detention and deportations.
“Democrats must reject efforts to pass anti-asylum and anti-immigrant policy changes in the negotiation of this funding bill. Immigrants are not political pawns who can be used to fund war.
“It’s extremely concerning that the White House has signaled a willingness to support these policies. Young voters overwhelmingly support a humane immigration process and demand a pathway to citizenship, not detention and deportation. We believe in a future that protects immigrants and their families, and we are advocating for policies that welcome immigrants and respect their rights.”
NextGen America Vice President of Communications, Antonio Arellano, former DACA recipient:
“As a former DACA recipient, I have experienced first-hand the impact of Congress and the White House treating immigrants and our rights as political bargaining chips. The latest immigration deal from the Biden Administration bows to this exact precedent, defying the rights of millions of immigrants and asylum seekers. Adding billions of taxpayer dollars for immigrant detention and border militarization would have devastating consequences for communities at the border and beyond.
“Young people across the country are deeply disappointed by this proposal and are encouraging the Administration to change course. In 2024, 41 million members of Gen Z will be eligible to vote, making up the largest and most diverse generation in American history. These new voters hold diverse identities and experiences that shape their political attitudes, and they are paying attention. By following through on this deal, Democratic leaders will jeopardize the support of these young voters across the country, who believe immigrants deserve to be treated with dignity and respect. It’s time to build a just immigration system and permanent pathway to citizenship that lives up to the values America aspires to achieve.”
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About NextGen America
NextGen America is the leading national organization for engaging young people through voter education, registration and mobilization. We invite 18-to-35 year olds — the largest and most diverse generation in American history — into our democracy to ensure our government works for them and to find new solutions to the dire challenges facing our society and the world. Since 2013, NextGen America has registered more than 1.5 million young voters and contacted 9.6 million young eligible voters during the historic 2022 midterm elections.