WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senator Bob Menendez (D-NJ) issued the following statement in response to House Republican’s approval of poison pill amendments to a must-pass funding legislation for the Department of Homeland Security.

“In their first immigration related action of this congress, Republicans in the House of Representatives are playing Russian roulette with our nation’s security by tacking overreaching, anti-immigrant poison pill amendments to must-pass funding legislation for the Department of Homeland Security. In the wake of last week’s carnage in Paris by violent extremists, the last thing we need is Republican extremism putting at risk the ability to keep our homeland safe.

“It’s shocking, but not surprising that the new House Republican strategy is the same as the old one: protect our broken immigration system no matter the costs and embrace the status quo.

“As we continue preparing for a smooth implementation process of the DACA and DAPA programs, I sincerely hope my Senate Republican colleagues drop this ill-conceived strategy so that we can approve a clean funding bill that avoids shutting down the Department of Homeland Security.”

On Friday, January 16, 2015, Senator Menendez will host an immigration rally in Elizabeth, N.J to mobilize, prepare and educate the community on the implementation of President Obama’s Executive Action. Illinois Congressman Luis Gutierrez (Ill.- 04) will participate in the event, along with Congressman Albio Sires (N.J.-08), state and local elected officials. The rally is being organized by the Rev. Gabriel Salguero, president of the National Latino Evangelical Coalition. Sen. Menendez, Rep. Gutierrez and Rev. Salguero were with the President in December when he announced his Executive Order in Las Vegas.

WHAT: NJ Immigration Executive Action Rally

WHEN: Friday, January 16, 2015
6:30 p.m. press conference ahead of 7:00 p.m. rally
(Media setup by 6:15 p.m.)

WHO: U.S. Senator Bob Menendez
Congressman Luis Gutierrez
Congressman Albio Sires
Rev. Gabriel Salguero, National Latino Evangelical Coalition
State and local elected officials
Immigration advocates

WHERE: Comunidad Cristiana
1121 Elizabeth Ave.
Elizabeth, N.J.

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