CAPAC Statement on Meeting with Homeland Security Secretary Kelly
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Members of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC) met with Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary John Kelly to discuss pertinent issues facing the Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) community. The meeting covered a wide range of topics from President Trump’s executive orders targeting Muslim, immigrant, and refugee communities to the Department’s immigration enforcement priorities and racial profiling guidance. CAPAC Members released the following statements:
Congresswoman Judy Chu (CA-27), CAPAC Chair:
“Today, we had a meeting with Homeland Security Secretary John Kelly during which we relayed many issues of great concern to the Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) community. We pressed Secretary Kelly on the lack of oversight of CBP, ICE, and TSA agents, the Department’s current enforcement priorities, concerns over the Muslim Ban 2.0, protecting DACA recipients and DREAMers, as well as the chaos caused by last minute changes to the processing of H-1B visas. In each case, the continued concerns of our community and constituents require that we seek more guidance and clarity. During the meeting, Secretary Kelly committed to a follow-up meeting with our caucus and to maintaining open lines of communication with us moving forward. There is still a lot of fear in the AAPI community regarding the current administration’s rhetoric and policies, and CAPAC will continue to push for more answers in the weeks and months to come.”
Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal (WA-07), CAPAC Immigration Task Force Chair:
“I very much appreciate Secretary Kelly's commitment to better communicate with members of Congress. We had a productive conversation, but we still need more answers from the Department of Homeland Security. We continue to seek clarification about policies around ICE agents in sensitive locations, including courthouses and churches, and the ultimate priorities of the Department as it carries out interior enforcement. We know many communities across the country and in my district still live in fear and uncertainty because of the President's rhetoric and his immigration executive orders. I invite Secretary Kelly to meet with affected communities in my district, and look forward to further detailed conversations with him to address our serious concerns around President Trump’s crackdown on immigrants.”
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The Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC) is comprised of Members of Congress of Asian and Pacific Islander descent and Members who have a strong dedication to promoting the well-being of the Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) community. Currently chaired by Congresswoman Judy Chu, CAPAC has been addressing the needs of the AAPI community in all areas of American life since it was founded in 1994.