Rep. Rick Larsen, WA-02, issued the following statement after the Department of Homeland Security announced it will stop deporting some young illegal immigrants who were brought to the United States as children and who have completed high school or served in the military. Larsen is a cosponsor of the Development, Relief, and Education for Alien Minors (DREAM) Act, which would provide a path to citizenship for such immigrants.

“This is the humane and right thing to do, not just for the thousands of young immigrants who were brought to this country as children, but for our country, which benefits from their contributions to our society. I have been a determined cosponsor of the DREAM Act because I believe that young immigrants who were committed to their education or chose to serve in our military, and have broken no laws while they have been here, deserve to stay and continue contributing to our communities.

“Earlier this year I met with students at Western Washington University who told me their personal stories of being young immigrants in our country. These are young people who are pursuing college degrees so they can help grow the economy and ensure a better future for all of us in Northwest Washington. These high-achieving students are exactly the kind of young adults we want to attract to our country, not drive away.

“I applaud the administration’s decision, and I maintain my full support for the DREAM Act. Congress must still pass the DREAM Act to provide a legal path to citizenship for these young people.”