“In a long Facebook post, Obama went as far as to call Trump’s decision “cruel” and argued that ending the program was wrong.”
Former President Barack Obama has some strong words for President Donald Trump regarding his decision to end “Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals” program. While Obama has largely stayed out of the spotlight since leaving the White House, as is tradition for “retired” Presidents, he was quick to denounce Trump’s decision to end DACA. In a long Facebook post, Obama went as far as to call Trump’s decision “cruel” and argued that ending the program was wrong.
Blunt with his words, Obama said that “this is about basic decency,” and seemed to imply that Trump was being indecent. Obama further claimed that the repeal was not required legally, and that instead it was a purely political choice. Obama noted that the children and young people protected under DACA are in the United States due to “no fault of their own” and “pose no threat.”
Such harsh criticisms are rarely lobbed by recently retired Presidents, most whom have generally kept a low profile for at least a year. For Obama to be taking the gloves off already, it hints that he might take a different, more vocal approach. Rumors have already been circulating that Obama is looking to rally the democrats to resist the Trump administration.
Obama was quick to defend DACA, stating that:
it made no sense to expel talented, driven, patriotic young people from the only country they know solely because of the actions of their parents, my administration acted to lift the shadow of deportation from these young people, so that they could continue to contribute to our communities and our country.
Obama argued that DACA allows immigration agencies to focus on dangerous, malevolent undocumented immigrants. Obama noted that immigration agencies face limited resources and can’t deport everyone.
Obama was also quick to admit that immigration is a controversial topic, and suggested that everyone needs to “play by the rules”. While “Dreamers” may not be legally America, Obama argued that they are American “at heart” and have spent most of their lives in the United States. Indeed, many of them may grow up not even knowing that they are illegal residents, finding out only when they try to apply for college or a job.
Barack Obama’s full statement can be seen here:
Obama’s quick and vocal backlash should come as no surprise. DACA was the former President’s signature immigration policy, and was key for shoring up support within the Latino community. However, critics have long claimed that the President overstepped his Constitutional authority by enacting DACA and that immigration should be left to Congress.
The Trump administration has suggested that this is the motive behind the decision to end DACA. The President has been urging Congress to fix the situation through law. However, given the current Congress’s inability to pass legislation, this seems unlikely. Trump has also hinted that he might revisit DACA should Congress fail to act.
