Senate Democrats wound up voting to reopen the federal government after Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) reassured Minority Leader Charles E. Schumer (D-N.Y) that Senate would vote on some kind of immigration legislation by mid-February. The 81-18 vote allowed a spending bill to fund the government through Feb. 8, reauthorize the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) for six years as well as roll back several Obamacare taxes.
But Latino activists and advocacy groups expecting Democrats to be more aggressive in fighting for the future of ‘DREAMers,’ took to social media on Monday to express their outrage at what they believe is a betrayal.
“Senate Democrats are accepting the word of a man and a party that have repeatedly broken their promises to the American people. Over 2,000 #DACA recipients will lose their status while waiting until February 8th. Why should we trust (Senate Majority Leader) Mitch McConnell,” tweeted Latino Victory, a group that helps liberal Latinos get elected.
Sixteen of the 49 Democrats in the Senate voted against reopening the government. Rep. Luis V. Gutiérrez (D-Ill.), chair of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus Immigration Task Force, and a strong supporter of immigration reform, said that the deal does not offer any confidence that the White House has the best interest of “DREAMers” in mind.
Despite the strong disapproval, those who voted to reopen the government said they are optimistic that a solution for DACA recipients could come soon.
“We now have a commitment to vote on legislation to protect Dreamers within the next 3 weeks, and it will take all our efforts to ensure that vote passes,” tweeted Virginia Senator Tim Kaine.
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