Donald Trump’s administration rescinds DACA, exposing young immigrants to deportation and reiterating hardline stance
About 800,000 immigrants who were brought to the US illegally as children have received renewable, two-year work permits under DACA
US President Donald Trump ended an Obama-era programme preventing the deportation of immigrants illegally brought to the US as children, Attorney General Jeff Sessions said, putting in legal limbo about 1 million people who consider themselves Americans.
“I am here today to announce that the programme known as DACA that was effectuated under the Obama administration is being rescinded,” Sessions told reporters.
“To have a lawful system of immigration that serves the national interest, we cannot admit everyone who would like to come here. It’s just that simple. That would be an open-border policy and the American people have rightly rejected that.”
The decision was slammed by former President Barack Obama, who initiated the programme.
“Let’s be clear,” wrote Obama in an 850-word statement. “The action taken today isn’t required legally. It’s a political decision, and a moral question.”
“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.”
Trump will delay the end of the programme, Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals or DACA, for six months in the hope that Congress can pass legislation to codify the protections Barack Obama created.