Hoyer Statement on Reports that President Trump Will End DACA

WASHINGTON, DC – House Democratic Whip Steny H. Hoyer (MD) released the following statement today on reports that President Trump will announce the end of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program with a six-month delay:  

"President Trump is mistaken if he believes splitting up families and deporting people who were brought here as small children and have known no other home comports with American values or will make our country greater. On the contrary, ending DACA and turning his back on DREAMers, as reports indicate he will do - after promising to deal with the program with 'great heart' - diminishes our nation and will sow chaos and fear in communities throughout the country.  It will also undermine economic growth and competitiveness, costing our economy $490 billion in lost GDP over the next decade in addition to losing potential innovation and entrepreneurship. 

"Congress must take immediate action to protect DREAMers permanently, and I urge Republican leaders to bring legislation to the Floor that would allow DREAMers to remain here and work legally to contribute to strengthening the nation they have called home since childhood. The President's reported decision is deeply misguided; it will fall to Congress to turn this setback into a victory for the principles America represents."