President Donald Trump is fulfilling his promise to come down on immigration. His administration announced Thursday that it would take steps to end the controversial Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program that began under Obama.
DACA has allowed those who were brought to The United States as children to get work permits, seek deferred deportation, and pursue an education. The program has been immensely popular among young generations of Latinos who've seen drastic improvements in their lives from the opportunities it offers. The uncertainty surrounding DACA's future is a major cause for anxiety among these individuals.
If he ends DACA, Trump would betray #DREAMers he said he'd treat w/ "great heart." These incredible young people make our country stronger.
— Senator Tim Kaine (@timkaine) August 31, 2017
Immigration advocates were not pleased with the announcement. Ending DACA will primarily impact law-abiding minors, which many have said misses the point of toughening up immigration policy. The administration has yet to clarify how ending the program will benefit law enforcement efforts.
The situation is complicated by the legal challenge to the executive order gradually working its way through the court system. Texas and nine other states are making the challenge, and they've threatened court action if Trump does not suspend DACA by Sep.
8, according to The Hill. The lawsuits will affect the timing of Trump's decision but not the substance, according to White House homeland security adviser Tom Bossert.
A string of controversial announcements
Pardoning Arpaio, undoing DACA...Trump is waging war not just on Latinos but on what America stands for.
— David Rothkopf (@djrothkopf) August 31, 2017
This announcement comes shortly after Trump's controversial pardoning of Sherriff Joe Arpaio, an outspoken opponent of immigration who was recently convicted of criminal contempt for racially profiling immigrants.
People, including Senator John McCain, were quick to lash out at the pardon.
The president's stance on illegal immigration was a major talking point of his campaign. Trump's hardline approach won him Arpaio's support early on in the campaign. "Build That Wall" became the rallying cry of many GOP supporters.
Will Trump be able to build the wall?
Please tell me that Trump isn't making waves about rescinding #DACA while Houston, a city that's 44% Hispanic, is underwater! Please!!!
— Charles M. Blow (@CharlesMBlow) August 31, 2017
Hurricane Harvey, which has ravaged much of Texas in the past week, may complicate the president's vision for immigration. Some congressional representatives have been debating whether or not to cut relief funds for hurricane victims in order to fund the border wall. At least $3 billion will be needed to repair the damage from Hurricane Harvey, according to CNBC.
The political ramifications of cutting relief funds to finance the wall may lead the Senate to reconsider whether or not the costly project is a priority.