Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Julia Brownley (D-Westlake Village) issued the following statement today regarding the President’s decision to end the DACA program:
“The President’s decision to end the DACA program – effectively ripping the rug out from under nearly 800,000 young people who have been vetted and passed background checks – is heartless and irresponsible. These DREAMers came to America as minors, through no fault of their own. President Trump told them they could ‘rest easy.’ But now he has thrown them into six more months of limbo and uncertainty, turning them into political pawns.
“This decision isn’t just cruel – it is also harmful to our economy and our security. Removing DACA workers from the economy will lead to an estimated $11.6 billion annual loss in GDP for the state of California alone. Ending the DACA program also means deporting those who have chosen to sacrifice for our nation as members of our Armed Forces. It is disheartening to say to a young person who volunteers to fight for our country that they are not welcome here anymore.
“This is not the end of the fight. House Republicans must allow a vote on legislation to protect these young people because they are valuable assets to our nation. We cannot turn our backs on them.”
Issues: 115th Congress, Immigration