House Passes Black’s Amendment to Prohibit Funding for Illegal Alien Lobbyist

Washington, DC (June 7, 2012) – Today, the House of Representatives passed Congressman Diane Black's (R-TN) amendment to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) appropriations bill which prohibits funding for the Obama administration’s newly created illegal alien “Public Advocate” position within U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Congressman Black’s amendment passed by voice vote.

Prior to passage, Black spoke on the House Floor calling on her colleagues to support her common sense amendment. Click here to watch her floor speech.

“Scarce taxpayer dollars should not be spent on lobbying for illegal aliens, but that’s exactly what the Obama administration wants to do. My amendment bars funding for the illegal alien ‘Public Advocate’ position. The Administration should be using this money instead for its intended purpose: to combat illegal immigration,” said Congressman Black.

When Congress established the DHS, it created an advocate position for immigrants in the legal immigration process but declined to create one for illegal immigrants.

“The President cannot continue to willfully ignore the laws and intent of Congress,” said Congressman Black.

On February 7, 2012, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) announced the appointment of a public advocate to handle complaints and questions about the administration’s immigration enforcement policies.  This new position will serve as a point of contact for illegal and criminal immigrants in deportation proceedings as well as illegal alien advocacy and community groups.

Groups supporting Black’s amendment:

Numbers USA

Federation for Legal Immigration

Immigration Reform Caucus