Some illegal immigrants are vowing to fight to stay in the United States. And advocates are launching campaigns—including fundraisers and registration drives—after a Trump administration announcement this week.
Administration officials said Tuesday that the government is ending the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program that former President Barack Obama started in 2012.
DACA helps some illegal immigrants whose parents brought them to the United States as children to avoid deportation (being expelled from the country). It may also allow them to become eligible for work permits. There were about 800,000 such young people in the program this year.
Those already enrolled in DACA remain covered until their permits expire. If their permits expire before March 5, 2018, they are eligible to renew them for another two years—as long as they apply by October 5, 2017. But the program isn’t accepting new applications.
Opponents of DACA say they’re pleased with the new decision. They call Obama’s DACA order an unconstitutional abuse of executive power. Many argue that it’s up to Congress to decide how to deal with such immigrants.
Any U.S. President may issue an executive order. Executive orders instruct the federal government about enforcing legislation and policy, handling emergencies, waging war, and other matters. They are considered law.
Once a president gives an executive order, only the Justice Department can cancel it.
Critics believe executive orders allow presidents to make laws without proper approval of Congress.
Attorney General Jeff Sessions made Tuesday’s announcement. He says the Justice Department cannot defend DACA.
Many religious leaders rushed to the defense of DACA recipients. They are urging Congress to figure out a solution to the immigrant crisis. Russell Moore, president of the Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission of the Southern Baptist Convention, says, “Congress should do the right thing and provide a solution for those who were brought here by parents as children.”
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(AP Photo: Supporters of DACA march in Irvine, California.)
