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Rep. Napolitano Opposes HALT Act as Divisive, Unsafe

July 21, 2011

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Rep. Napolitano Opposes HALT Act as Divisive, Unsafe

(Washington, DC) Today, Rep. Grace F. Napolitano (D-CA) joined several of her Democratic colleagues in releasing a letter of opposition to H.R. 2497, the HALT (Hinder the Administration's Legalization Temptation) Act, a bill proposed by Rep. Lamar Smith (R-TX) which would prohibit President Obama from prioritizing dangerous criminals for deportation over non-criminal immigrants working in local communities.

"This is a political attack specifically aimed at the President, and it would tie the hands of our immigration officials and affect the safety of our communities," Napolitano said. "Focusing our energy on deporting dangerous criminals instead of students and working families is the right thing to do. We are a nation of immigrants, and many of these families have contributed to our country's success and economy through hard work. They should not be deported while criminals go free. We should be trying to bring this country together, not continuing to divide it."

The HALT Act is specifically directed at President Obama and would expire at the end of his term.

The letter was signed by 76 members of Congress, including Rep. Luis Gutierrez (D-IL), Rep. Mike Honda (D-CA), Rep. Yvette Clark (D-NY), and can be read at https://www.gutierrez.house.gov/images/stories/HALT_Act_letter_complete.pdf.

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Issues:Immigration