September 5, 2017
NGLCC, the business voice of the LGBT community, released the following statement following President Trump’s announcement that the administration will phase out the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) immigration policy:
Immigrants come to this country seeking a better life and to add their collective experiences, knowledge, and skills to the American economy. NGLCC and our partners recognize that immigrants permeate every diverse community, making us richer and more vibrant as a nation.
It is morally wrong and economically unsound for a nation built by immigrants to turn them away. Comprehensive immigration reform is what is needed, not a heartless termination of a program that gives hope and opportunity to so many seeking their piece of the American Dream. We urge Congress to act swiftly and justly to ensure that these DREAMers are protected and given the chance to thrive legally in America.
The Williams Institute estimates that there are over 75,000 LGBT DREAMers in the U.S. and over 36,000 have participated in DACA. The vast majority of these LGBT DACA participants live in California, Texas, Illinois, New York, and Florida — all of which are states with large populations of thriving LGBT business owners who count on their contributions to the local economy.
Every single day DREAMers and relatives of immigrants, many of whom also identify among America’s 1.4 million LGBT business owners, help create jobs, innovate industries, and contribute extensively to the economic health and vitality of America. It is for the good of our country, and the entire global community and economy, that we never allow prejudice against those seeking a better life in our country to diminish the tremendous contributions immigrants make.
Only by reinforcing our commitments to one another, across all diverse communities who are facing similar threats to their livelihood, can we hold on to the place at the table we have all worked so hard to achieve.
Statement to be attributed to NGLCC Co-Founder & President Justin Nelson and NGLCC Co-Founder & CEO Chance MItchell.
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ABOUT NGLCC
The National Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce is the business voice of the LGBT community and is the largest global not-for-profit advocacy organization specifically dedicated to expanding economic opportunities and advancements for LGBT people. NGLCC is the exclusive certification body for LGBT- owned businesses. www.nglcc.org @nglcc
NGLCC MEDIA CONTACT
Jonathan Lovitz
Senior Vice President
jlovitz@nglcc.org
@jdlovitz
954.695.5896
