Following Disturbing Reports About the Berks County Residential Center, Local Leaders Engage in Conversation on Supporting Immigrants in Pennsylvania
York, PA – Today, U.S. Senator Bob Casey (D-PA) hosted a roundtable discussion with local immigration advocacy organization We Are CASA on the priorities of the immigration advocacy community. Senator Casey was joined by CASA members, local advocates and members of the immigrant community.
“The United States is a proud Nation of immigrants. Yet, since their first days in office, this Administration has pushed forward cruel policies that are not only an assault on immigrants, but an assault on our values as a Nation,” said Senator Casey. “I know there is another approach, one that is better for immigrants, and better for the security of our Nation. I will continue fighting against these dangerous policies, and pushing for reforms that reflect these American values.”
"We thank Senator Casey for meeting with our members and listening carefully to their stories,” said Thais Carrero, CASA Pennsylvania Director. “In a state as diverse as Pennsylvania, our leaders must know the needs and concerns of their constituents, whether they are TPS holders, Dreamers, climate refugees or undocumented immigrants. Pennsylvania's prosperity can only be achieved when we all work together to move working families forward, protect vulnerable members and reject unfair and cruel policies against those seeking a better future."
Senator Casey and CASA members spoke about the importance of supporting programs such as Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) and Temporary Protected Status (TPS). This past summer, Senator Casey visited DHS detention facilities in McAllen, Texas, including the Border Patrol facility at McAllen and processing centers at Donna and Ursula, Texas. He also visited the Berks County Residential Center in Leesport, PA, which is one of three family detention centers in the U.S. Following his visit to Berks, Senator Casey along with U.S. Representative Chrissy Houlahan sent a letter to ICE calling on the agency to provide more information about migrant care.
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