Columbia Standard

U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin, a key figure in immigration legislation, has introduced two amendments to the Laken Riley Act aimed at protecting Dreamers, including those under the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program. The first amendment seeks to exempt Dreamers from the mandatory detention requirements of the Laken Riley Act. Senator Richard Blumenthal is co-sponsoring this amendment.

The second amendment, known as the Dream and Promise Act, proposes a pathway to citizenship for Dreamers, Temporary Protected Status holders, and Deferred Enforced Departure holders. This bipartisan effort has previously passed in the House of Representatives with support led by U.S. Representative Sylvia Garcia. Senators Alex Padilla, Catherine Cortez Masto, John Hickenlooper, Ron Wyden, Chris Van Hollen, Gary Peters, Tammy Baldwin, and Richard Blumenthal are also backing this amendment.

Durbin expressed concerns about the current form of the Laken Riley Act: “Existing law gives ICE discretion to detain undocumented immigrants on a case-by-case basis. ICE assesses each case individually so the agency’s limited resources are used effectively to protect our national security and public safety,” he stated. He warned that without amendments like his own, “the Laken Riley Act... would eliminate ICE’s discretion to prioritize the detention and deportation of dangerous individuals.”

The proposed legislation mandates federal custody for anyone who entered illegally or violated their immigration status if they are arrested or convicted of certain crimes such as burglary or theft. It also allows state attorneys general to sue federal immigration authorities over unrelated issues.

Under current regulations, DACA eligibility excludes individuals with serious criminal convictions or those posing threats to national security. Immigration officials currently have discretion in detaining noncitizens charged with crimes but must detain those with serious convictions.

Durbin emphasized the need for legislative adjustments: “If we are going to consider this bill, we must have a chance to offer amendments to fix some concerning language in this legislation—like the two amendments I filed today—and ensure the bill would accomplish its goals.”