Quigley Statement on Meeting with Oscar Robles and Family

U.S. Representative Mike Quigley (IL-05) released the below statement after meeting with Oscar Robles and his family in support of Robles' annual U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) check-in. Robles immigrated to the United States as a teenager and, although currently undocumented, has no criminal history and consistently cooperates with regular ICE check-ins. Robles is expected to complete his latest ICE check-in later today. Quigley met with Robles and his family on Monday to offer his support in the leadup to this appointment.

"Oscar Robles is an American in every way that matters. I have long supported a path to citizenship for immigrants just like Oscar: people with families and strong ties to their communities, who work hard and pay their taxes. The status quo is simply not sustainable for Oscar and his family. I met with his wife and daughters and heard from them about the anxiety that this uncertainty has created for his family. His daughters should not have to worry about losing their father just because he is following the rules.

"My thoughts will be with Oscar and his family throughout the day, and I hope to hear good news later today. Congress must work together to pass comprehensive immigration reform to give Oscar the stability he and his family deserve, and our nation a more efficient immigration process."

Under the Obama administration, immigrants like Robles were considered a low priority for deportation and enforcement was instead concentrated on undocumented immigrants who posed a threat to public safety. However, since the Trump administration's draconian immigration policies were implemented, Robles' annual check-ins have been characterized by deep uncertainty and fear. Robles immigrated to the U.S. from Mexico in 1994, settled in Chicago, and now has a wife and two daughters. He was granted an administrative stay of removal under the Obama administration and has checked in routinely with ICE officials to renew his stay ever since. Each visit can result in either an extension of his stay or a deportation order.