U.S. Rep. Ed Pastor responds to immigration directive

U.S. Rep. Ed Pastor (D-Ariz.) released the following statement Friday in response to the halting of deportations of some young illegal immigrants:

“I commend the Obama Administration’s decision to grant relief to undocumented young people who are already positively contributing to our communities and country.

“These individuals have been raised and educated in the United States, and are talented, driven young people who have much to offer and should not be punished for the actions of others.

“Due largely to opposition to related legislation, such as the DREAM Act, the Obama Administration’s announcement serves as a positive step forward, allowing these young people to continue to contribute and give back to the country they call home. This is an encouraging move and it gives me hope that we can now work in a bipartisan manner towards a permanent solution, such as comprehensive immigration reform.”