The following statement can be attributed to Héctor Figueroa, Secretary-Treasurer of 32BJ, one of the largest unions representing immigrant workers in the country:

“The Obama administration deserves praise for this plan to stop the deportation of young, undocumented students who are American in every respect except for the place of their birth,” said Héctor Figueroa, Secretary-Treasurer of 32BJ. “Driven and ambitious students, immigrants or otherwise, should have the chance to go to college in the country where they live and pay taxes. Allowing undocumented students to continue contributing to our communities is one part of a broader set of reforms needed to maintain a diverse, educated and highly skilled workforce that will drive economic growth in our country.”

“By doing the right thing, President Obama is showing great leadership and presents a clear contrast with the GOP’s presidential nominee who has promised to stop the DREAM Act if elected.”

With more than 120,000 members in eight states and Washington DC, 32BJ SEIU is one of the largest unions representing immigrant workers in the country.