Perez is a longtime pro-illegal immigrant activist. He supported the state’s recognition of ID cards issued by Mexico and Guatemala as a valid form of ID for illegal immigrants in the United States, supported the granting of in-state tuition rates to illegals, and provided advice for illegals on how to deal with police. He has advocated for race-conscious admissions to medical school, saying that an increase in minority health care providers is the only way to improve minority health. He believes minorities are better treated by minority health care providers, and that all health care – presumably that practiced by minorities, for minorities – is not just a benefit, but an actual civil right.
The defense of Perez usually comes from those who disliked Attorneys General John Ashcroft and Alberto Gonzales’ Civil Rights division and are in favor of Holder’s policies and reforms. The Baltimore Sun said Perez's nomination would usher in a DoJ that "can return to its traditional mission of enforcing anti-discrimination laws and protecting the rights of minorities."
Republicans, most notably Sen. Tom Coburn, have employed parliamentary procedures to block Perez’s installation, but unless there’s some serious intervention, Perez is expected to be installed as soon as cloture is invoked.