Congressional Hispanic Caucus Meets with Secretary Napolitano
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Congressional Hispanic Caucus 111th Congress – Congresswoman Nydia Velázquez, Chair |
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For Immediate Release |
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Contact: Miguel Ayala |
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March 2, 2009 |
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(202) 225-2410 |
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Miguel.ayala@mail.house.gov |
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CHC Meets with Secretary Napolitano
(Washington DC) – The Congressional Hispanic Caucus (CHC) last week met with the Secretary of Homeland Security Janet Napolitano. The CHC requested the meeting to ensure that the new Secretary was aware of previous concerns with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and took the opportunity to congratulate and welcome her.
“As Chair of the CHC, I am happy to say that our meeting with Secretary Napolitano was positive, constructive and enlightening. The Secretary was open to hearing all points of view and the CHC looks forward to working with her in the future,” said Congresswoman Nydia M. Velázquez.
Members of the CHC expressed that they were pleased to hear her approach to the challenges DHS is facing, and the action directives the Secretary has issued will help the Department improve many of it’s troubling past practices. Secretary Napolitano shared that she did not directly order the raid in Bellingham, WA last week and has ordered a review of the protocol that led to the raid. The CHC also expressed to the Secretary their pleasure in the early appointments and staffing decisions she has made thus far. Many have come from professional backgrounds that will ensure that the decision-making that occurs at DHS, and the advice the Secretary receives, is well informed and educated.
“The meeting was very constructive," said Rep. Luis V. Gutierrez, Chair of the CHC Immigration Task Force. "We’re happy that Secretary Napolitano was so willing to engage in an open, productive dialogue with the CHC. She shared with us that she had grave concerns about the manner in which enforcement actions have been carried out and that she is seriously evaluating this week's raid in Washington. I look forward to working together as the CHC continues its efforts to create meaningful, lasting immigration reform.”
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The Congressional Hispanic Caucus (CHC) is comprised of Members of Congress of Hispanic descent. Since 1976 the CHC has been addressing the needs of the Hispanic community in all areas of American life. For more information on the CHC, call (202) 225-2410.
