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For immediate release
Nov. 10, 2016
DES MOINES - The League of United Latino American Citizens of Iowa today expressed its disappointment in the outcome of state and national races and vowed to do its part to continue to protect immigrants and those who are here on protected status from retaliation.
"We're disheartened," said Joe Enriquez Henry, National LULAC vice president of the Midwest. "We were hoping for a different direction, one of progressive action and a step forward, rather than one that will evoke fear among our immigrant community."
LULAC leaders will meet statewide to discuss the affects the election outcome could have on undocumented immigrants who have been granted temporary status to stay and work in the United States through the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program. Enriquez Henry also has called a conference for the Midwest region of LULAC on Sunday in Chicago, where representatives from 12 Midwestern states will convene to discuss how to protect DACA recipients.
The National Immigrant Justice Center has recommended that no unauthorized immigrants apply for DACA at this time or for a renewal. Anyone who has received advance parole should return to the United States before Jan. 20, 2017.
Immigrants also are advised to consult with legal representation about whether they are eligible for a permanent form of relief or whether they are eligible to apply for U.S. citizenship.
Enriquez Henry said meetings with law enforcement also will take place to ensure there is no retaliation against immigrants.
"We will make sure there is some form of protection for the DACA recipients," Enriquez Henry said.
The League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) is the nation's largest and oldest civil rights volunteer-based organization that empowers Hispanic Americans and builds strong Latino communities. Headquartered in Washington, D.C. with 1,000 councils around the United States and Puerto Rico, LULAC's programs, services and advocacy address the most important issues for Latinos, meeting critical needs of today and the future.
For more information, contact Joe Enriquez Henry at 515.208.7312; or Melissa Walker at 515.681.7731 or mwmediaconsultants@yahoo.com, or visit www.lulaciowa.org.
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