Congresswoman Madeleine Z. Bordallo released the following statement on President Trump’s decision to end the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program (DACA):
“President Trump's decision to rescind DACA is an unnecessary and cruel action against members of our community who are or were brought to the United States as children. DACA has allowed 800,000 young people--including some of our neighbors and friends on Guam--to learn and work in our communities and for many, the United States of America is the only country they have ever known. While President Trump’s reversal of DACA affects our nation, his decision impacts residents on Guam as well.
“For example, Christine, a 22 year old DREAMer who arrived on Guam as a child, has benefited from the DACA program and has made Guam her home. Despite the circumstances dealt to her, she latched onto the American dream and is now a vital part of our society, working as a Registered Nurse – giving back to our society. Our island community has had a strong history of supporting immigrants and those who come to our country and island for a better life.
While there is work to be done to improve our immigration system, rescinding DACA does not strengthen efforts to keep America safe or level the playing field; all it accomplishes is creating a level of uncertainty for these DREAMers who contribute positively to our nation. I join my colleagues in calling on the Republican leadership in Congress to bring up and pass a permanent legislative solution and protect DREAMers so they can continue to give back to our country without fear of displacement and deportation.”