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Rep. Nydia M. Velázquez (D-NY), the top Democrat on the House Small Business Committee, released the following statement opposing the Trump Administration’s decision to roll back Deferred Actions for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) and highlighting devastating consequences for the small business sector: 

            “With 97% of the 800,000 promising young DACA recipients employed or enrolled in school, Trump’s decision to rip apart the program is a callous blow to our economy.  

            “When given legal protected status, DACA recipients are able to earn higher wages and contribute to our economy. Immigration has always been a key ingredient to our nation’s entrepreneurial success and this is true with these young Americans, as well.  In fact, studies show DACA recipients over age 25 are more than twice as likely to launch a new business, compared to the general public.  

            “Not only is this decision a moral outrage, but rescinding DACA will cause billions of dollars in economic damage, limit business formation and curtail job growth. It is no wonder that business leaders from a range of sectors have united in their opposition to rolling back DACA.  It is imperative that Congress act swiftly to pass a clean ‘DREAM Act’ that protects these young people from deportation.”