From Washington, D.C.

Chellie Pingree, Angus King issue statement on order to end DACA

Tue, 09/05/2017 - 12:15pm

Congresswoman Chellie Pingree, D-Maine, issued the following statement in response to President Trump's decision to end the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrival (DACA) program (read
Trump to end immigration protection for 'dreamers') within six months:

"Yet again President Trump has created a crisis that Congress must solve. My colleagues on both sides of the aisle, including Speaker Ryan, urged the President not to walk away from our promise to DREAMers, and now we must work together in order to clean up the mess he's made. Putting the futures of 800,000 young people enrolled in DACA into limbo is irresponsible and inhumane. Nearly one hundred Maine residents will be immediately impacted by President Trump's decision to deport young people who grew up here and are contributing members of our communities, and countless more minors will be forced into the shadows because DHS will no longer accept new DACA applications. Not only is it cruel to deport people to a country they wouldn't even recognize, it would be a major disruption to our economy. I hope the House will act swiftly to pass legislation to give DREAMers a pathway to remain in the only country they've ever known."

U.S. Senator Angus King followed suit:

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Angus King (I-Maine) released the following statement on the Administration’s announcement on Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA):

"Those protected under DACA came here as children with their parents – at no fault of their own – and have been here for years and years. In that time, they’ve worked to provide for their families, pay taxes, and contribute to the American economy. While I am disappointed the Administration has chosen to rescind this program, I am hopeful that Congress will take this opportunity to work together and find a long-term legislative solution that reflects our country's values and supports driven young people looking to work and live in the country they call home."