ACLU Vermont Statement on Termination of DACA
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 5, 2017
Montpelier — 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 to this country as children and know the United States as their only home.
The following is a statement from James Lyall, ACLU of Vermont Executive Director, reacting to the White House announcement rescinding the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program:
“Five years ago, the federal government made a commitment to young immigrants who came to the U.S. as children. Since then, DACA has allowed hundreds of thousands of young people to earn their degrees, start families and businesses, and give back to their communities.
“Today the government and President Trump broke that promise and put 800,000 Dreamers at risk. Trump’s decision to end DACA is a shameful retreat from our values and a cruel betrayal of his pledge to treat young Dreamers with ‘great heart.’ But we’re not backing down.
“The ACLU of Vermont will continue to stand with these young immigrants and defend their rights against the Trump administration’s shameful and xenophobic attacks. It is now imperative that Congress immediately take up and pass the DREAM Act so that these hardworking young people can live their lives and continue contributing to the country they call home.”
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