Congresswoman Jaime Herrera Beutler has released a statement in response to President Donald Trump’s announcement on Sept. 5 to end the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program, also known as DACA, unless Congress chooses to save it.
Trump has urged Congress to replace DACA with legislation before recipients begin losing their status in March 2018.
The program protected young undocumented immigrants who were brought to the United States as children from deportation.
Herrera Beutler, R-Battle Ground, said the president stated that he does not favor punishing children for the actions of their parents, something she agrees with. She also said Congress must take action to treat DACA recipients with compassion.
“The president is not revoking DACA status immediately, but is giving Congress time to provide permanent relief for those who’ve been caught in legal limbo,” Herrera Beutler said in a statement. “A lasting solution can only be provided through the force of law, and President Obama created a difficult situation for everyone when he circumvented U.S. laws through executive order. I believe we can uphold national security, protect opportunities for American citizens, and provide assurances to DACA recipients in Southwest Washington who have done nothing wrong that we understand their plight and that they can build a future here in the only country that many of them have ever known.”
