Commissioner Diaz urges support for “Dream Act”

MIAMI-DADE COUNTY – The Miami-Dade County Commission on Nov. 7 passed two resolutions sponsored by Commissioner Jose “Pepe” Diaz to urge the federal government to continue two pro-immigration programs.

The first resolution asks Congress to enact the “Dream Act” or similar legislation to prevent the deportation of individuals who were granted “Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals” (DACA) status. The second resolution urges the U.S. Defense Department to continue the Military Accessions Vital to National Interest (MAVNI) program, which recruits legal immigrants with medical and language skills into the military and provides expedited naturalization in exchange for enlistment.

“Winding down the DACA program will force the deportation of almost 800,000 ‘Dreamers’ who have come to call this country home,” Commissioner Diaz said. “Similarly, ending the MAVNI program could lead to the deportation of as many as 1,800 MAVNI applicants and their departure from the military.”