The Trump administration today announced the termination of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) Program. The DACA program has served as a critical lifeline for nearly 800,000 young immigrants, or “Dreamers,” who came this country as children and know the United States as their only home.
The following is a statement from Marjorie R. Esman, ACLU of Louisiana Executive Director, reacting to the announcement rescinding the DACA program:
“Today President Trump, bowing to the demands of Louisiana Attorney General Jeff Landry, decided to rob 800,000 young people of the safety and security they were promised by the government five years ago.
“It’s shameful that our own state attorney general helped orchestrate this cruel and unnecessary attack on hardworking young people who have contributed so much to our communities.
“Dreamers, like the 2,000 DACA recipients here in Louisiana, are our friends and neighbors. They’ve gotten college degrees, started families, founded companies and even joined the armed forces. Now, because of Trump’s decision to side with the most extreme elements of his party, they will be forced to live in fear in the only home they’ve ever known.
“The ACLU of Louisiana will keep fighting to defend Dreamers and their right to live and work in the country they love. With so much at stake, it’s imperative for Congress to restore the promise made to these young people and pass the DREAM Act without delay. We’re determined to see that they do.”
In August, the ACLU of Louisiana and the national ACLU filed open records requests demanding copies of any communications between the Louisiana Office of the Attorney General and the federal government regarding DACA. This request followed a late June letter, sent by state officials from 10 states, including Louisiana, to Attorney General Jeff Sessions demanding that the Trump administration end the DACA program.
