Politicians and activists groups are responding to Trump’s DACA decision.
“DACA is an unconstitutional exercise of authority by the executive branch.”
“Only by the reliable enforcement of immigration law can we produce safe communities, a robust middle class, and economic fairness for all Americans.”
“Congress, get ready to do your job – DACA!”
“To target these young people is wrong – because they have done nothing wrong. It is self-defeating – because they want to start new businesses, staff our labs, serve in our military, and otherwise contribute to the country we love. And it is cruel.”
“My message to Dreamers: We see you. We stand with you. We will fight to ensure you can stay in the country you call home.”
“I have long supported accommodating those brought to this country illegally through no fault of their own. It is important that the White House clearly outline what kind of legislation the president is willing to sign. We have no time to waste on ideas that do not have the votes to pass or that the president won’ t sign.”
“Trump, whose companies continue to import workers from abroad, is a cynical manipulator. Republicans’ unrelenting assault on immigrants and especially Latinos is awakening a generation of young Americans to the threat to our country’s diversity and economic future, just as Proposition 187 did in California more than 20 years ago.”
“The (California) Legislature will do everything we can working with local governments, universities and schools to keep these young people secure, safe, and here where they belong. Not a dime of taxpayer funding or law enforcement resources should be wasted threatening the future of promising Californians.
“President Obama wrongly believed he had the authority to re-write our immigration law. Today’s action by President Trump corrects that fundamental mistake. This Congress will continue working on securing our border and ensuring a lawful system of immigration that works.”
“To DACA youth across the country, I say this is not over. I stand with you and your families. You are valued.”
“It is my hope that the House and Senate, with the president’s leadership, will be able to find consensus on a permanent legislative solution that includes ensuring that those who have done nothing wrong can still contribute as a valued part of this great country.”
“I think the (administration’s) actions are certainly contrary to what we stand for as Californians, and more broadly, as Americans, ”
“As frustrating as that may be to those who want to see DACA totally wiped off the books, and every one of its beneficiaries given a one-way bus ticket across the border, letting Congress decide what to do about the ‘Dreamers’ is exactly what ought to happen.”
“I speak as a pastor not a politician. I cannot address the constitutional or political questions raised by this program. But as a pastor I think we need to clearly understand what this decision means. Today our country is announcing its intention to deport more than 800,000 young people. This is a national tragedy and a moral challenge to every conscience.”
“Deporting hundreds of thousands of Asians and Latinos – nearly half of whom were brought to the U. S. before the age of 7 – is not only cruel, it will hurt our economy. One report estimates an economic loss of $460 billion over the next decade.”
“There is no doubt that our immigration system is broken. Congress must provide a permanent, legislative solution for children brought here through no fault of their own.”
“Rather than ending the DACA program and tearing families apart, we should instead work together towards comprehensive immigration reform that will secure our nation’s borders, keep our citizens safe, and improve our immigration system to strengthen our economy and live up to our nation’s values of hope, opportunity, and the American dream.”
“@POTUS’s decision on #DACA is wrong approach at a time when both sides need to compromise on #immigration reform.”
“The doors of Long Beach State University remain open to all eligible undocumented students. They are welcome and wanted at The Beach. They are an important and vital part of our campus community.”
“These young immigrants have made valuable contributions to the community and the nation they consider their home, and they have earned the right to a permanent place in its history.”
“The Trump administration’s enforcement action on immigration shows the best immigration reform is to finally enforce the law.”
“It is undoubtedly the sole responsibility of U. S. citizens and institutions to determine U. S. immigration policy … but in the current situation, the Mexican government has a moral imperative to act. Mexico will receive with open arms any dreamers who return.”
— Statement from Mexico’s foreign relations department, which also offered legal aid to DACA participants
“I have always believed DACA was a presidential overreach. However, I equally understand the plight of the Dream Act kids who – for all practical purposes – know no country other than America.”
“DACA was never meant as a permanent fix to our nation’s broken immigration system, but as a common sense measure to direct our federal resources to where they are needed most. However, President Trump has shown no ability or desire to get us any closer to fixing the problems we know must be addressed and has instead chosen to rally his base while weakening our national security by wasting resources on breaking up families.”
“DACA was an illegal abuse of executive power, and it’s important to reaffirm that the president cannot unilaterally rewrite the law. Today’s decision puts the ball in Congress’ court.”
“ (Trump’s decision) is a despicable assault on innocent young people in communities across America.”
“It just doesn’ t seem like there’s a great window to get this done, and we’ re concerned that the president didn’ t really commit to any kind of Dream Act. He just sort of dropped it in Congress’ lap.”
“New York will not demonize diversity. We will not stand by as 42,000 New Yorkers are deported.”
“Today is a cruel day for our Dreamers, our families and all Americans.”
“DACA has transformed the lives of young people who know no other country than America and has resulted in economic gains for cities, states, and nation as a whole.
