September 5, 2017 – (HOUSTON, TX) – The following statement is issued on behalf of the Houston Hispanic Chamber of Commerce in response to the Trump administration’s decision to end the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program:

“Today, the Trump administration has told 800,000 aspiring Americans that they are no longer welcome in the country they call home. The decision to end DACA is not just one that is completely devoid of compassion – it is a decision that will send shockwaves through the regional and national economy. DACA recipients are an integral part of the United States, they are American in every way. They play a pivotal role in the American economy and are a group with educational attainment, employment, purchasing power, and home ownership rates well above the national average. Moreover, 72% of the top 25 Fortune 500 companies – which account for more than $2.8 trillion in annual revenue – currently employ DACA recipients. Removing this economic engine from the American workforce will have catastrophic implications for the national economy.

The Houston Hispanic Chamber of Commerce condemns the Trump administration’s decision in the strongest possible terms and urge Congress to act now and protect these “dreamers” and the national economy. Our organization will do everything possible to fight this misguided decision in every hall of power, level of government, and decision-making table until a positive resolution is achieved,” said Dr. Laura Murillo, President & CEO of the Houston Hispanic Chamber of Commerce.