“Senator Schatz flip flopped, abandoning his stated commitment to Dreamers and failing the American people. By voting in favor of the Trump-Republican plan without the Dream Act, he has kicked the can down the road while increasing the number of Dreamers that face the terrifying threat of immediate deportation. In a matter of weeks, if Trump's decision to rescind DACA goes into full effect, more than 800,000 will lose protection.
"Dreamers are students, teachers, scientists, and leaders who make our country proud, contributing to our communities and making them stronger. They are immigrant youth who grew up here, and they are Americans. That's why an overwhelming 87 percent of the country wants them protected from the threat of deportation—as close to a consensus as exists on just about any policy question. But Republicans continue to stand in the way and actively block solutions.
"Trump's 'shithole countries' comment has made clear what this is all about. Instead of bringing people together on solutions, Trump has made racism and white nationalism the core of his immigration agenda and is speaking quite openly about it. His administration orchestrated the conditions that led to this shutdown, and he has consistently refused to negotiate in good faith. Senate Democrats should be using all of the leverage they have to resist Trump’s transparently racist agenda and fight for those under attack, but unfortunately today, in a shocking display of cowardice, too many of them, including Sen. Schatz, failed to do so.
“MoveOn members and millions of grassroots progressive activists from all walks of life across the country will be ramping up our activism alongside Dreamers and in support of the Dream Act, heading into negotiations with a Feb. 8 deadline. We will continue raising our voices with moral urgency until win this fight. We will support elected leaders who stand on the side of justice, and we will hold those who fail accountable.
“This is a pivotal moment in our nation’s history, with a regressive, reactionary, racist president intent on ignoring the wishes of mainstream America and deporting millions. One can only hope that Sen. Schatz reconsider what they want their legacy to be before the next spending deadline on Feb. 8, where their votes are crucial. 800,000 Dreamers across the country and millions of other Americans on the front lines of Trump's racist attacks are counting on them to do so.”