Advertisement

Mailers across Florida push Rubio, Nelson on ‘Dreamers’

A Koch brother-funded group wants lawmakers to act.
 
Published May 24, 2018

WASHINGTON – A Koch brother group is sending mailers across Florida asking Sens. Marco Rubio and Bill Nelson to support a permanent solution for Dreamers along with improvements to border security.

The bumblebee yellow mail pieces continue a "seven-figure" national campaign from the LIBRE Initiative that has included TV ads and grassroots mobilizing.

"For far too long, our elected officials have continued to delay action on these important issues impacting our families and communities, said LIBRE President Daniel Garza. "Both Democrats and Republicans are responsible for reaching a permanent legislative solution for Dreamers. Acting now would unlock the potential of the Dreamers, promote economic opportunity, and strengthen our communities."

Mailers are also going out in other states, with targets including Chuck Schumer, Mitch McConnell, Paul Ryan, Martha McSally and Ted Cruz.

Public support for Dreamers remains high, while Congress is deadlocked. A number of House Republicans, led by Rep. Carlos Curbelo of Miami, are trying to force a vote but conservatives remain an obstacle, deeming any relief amnesty.

Sens. Rubio and Nelson both have supported Dreamers, to some degree. Rubio was working on legislation but never offered a bill, providing room for President Obama to create the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program in 2012.

DACA has protected hundreds of thousands of young immigrants from deportation but was controversial because Obama sidestepped Congress.

President Trump ended the program, hoping Congress would act. It hasn't.