MALDEF STATEMENT ON HOUSE PASSAGE OF CRIMINAL ALIEN GANG MEMBER REMOVAL ACT

MALDEF

September 14, 2017

LOS ANGELES, CA - Thomas A. Saenz, president and general counsel of MALDEF (Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund), released the following statement today in response to the U.S. House of Representatives vote passing the Criminal Alien Gang Member Removal Act bill (H.R. 3697):

“This bill is in keeping with the very worst traditions of nativist lawmaking, falling in line with immigrant stereotyping in congressional enactments of a century ago. This bill would essentially permit arbitrary and discriminatory decision-making. It is not consistent with how constitutional doctrines of due process and equal protection have evolved since the early twentieth century. Labeling Latino immigrants as 'gang members' is a despicable means of misdirecting public discourse on immigration policy away from where it should be – a reasoned discussion about reform that is in the best interests of our national people and principles.”

Founded in 1968, MALDEF is the nation's leading Latino legal civil rights organization. Often described as the "Latino Legal Voice for Civil Rights in America" MALDEF promotes social change through advocacy, communications, community education, and litigation in the areas of education, employment, immigrant rights, and political access. For more information on MALDEF, please visit: www.maldef.org.