STATEN ISLAND, NY– Today, Hina Naveed, a Dreamer from Staten Island challenged GOP Dan Donovan on his immigration stance specifically whether deporting all undocumented immigrants “should be explored.”
Staten Island District Attorney Dan Donovan is currently running for former Representative Michael Grimm’s seat. Mr. Grimm resigned from Congress after pleading guilty to tax fraud.
Hina introduced herself as a Dreamer — undocumented immigrant brought to the country as a child — and questioned the District Attorney of “why would he explore deporting Dreamers and families like [hers].”
Mr. Donovan stated he would not deport Dreamers and his families; however, he was silent on whether he would allow Dreamers and undocumented father and fathers to earn citizenship and contribute to this country.
«Mr. Donovan is ignoring a critical question of what to do with families like mine. His doubt shows he is just another Republican too afraid to challenge the extreme right of the Tea Party,» said Hina Naveed, a nursing student at the College of Staten Island.
Mr. Donovan also stated he does not support «amnesty.» «Considering how any serious immigration legislation is inevitably denounced as ‘amnesty’ by the loudest part of the GOP base, how will Mr. Donovan lead his party to the reasonable immigration he seems to want? The 11th Congressional District hopes Mr. Donovan can lead not simply adopt Tea Party talking points,» asked Cesar Vargas, Co-Director of Dream Action Coalition.
