Bonamici Responds to Trump Ending Dreamer Program

WASHINGTON, DC [09/05/17] – Today Congresswoman Suzanne Bonamici (D-OR) released the following statement after President Donald Trump and his administration announced that they will end the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program.

"Deporting people brought to this country as children is heartless, doesn't improve national safety, and will have a detrimental effect on our economy. America is better than this; we don't – and shouldn't – penalize children for the actions of their parents. The Trump Administration's decision to end the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program sends a message to the rest of the world that our country has lost its humanitarian spirit and inclusive values. I've met many ‘Dreamers,' hard-working young adults whose parents brought them to the United States as children, searching for a better life and working toward the American dream. Today these Dreamers are scared of what the future holds and worried about the prospect of being deported to a country they do not know. But they are also eager to give back and contribute to the communities that are their homes.

"The Dreamers deserve a chance to succeed. I stand ready, willing, and able to work with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to pass legislation that will protect the promise that these young people can continue living their lives in the only country they've ever known. If Congressional leadership is willing, we can make this part of much-needed comprehensive immigration reform."

Bonamici has been a steadfast supporter of the DACA program and advocated for comprehensive immigration reform. She is a cosponsor of the American Hope Act, commonsense legislation to create a pathway for Dreamers to become permanent residents. Earlier this year in a response to increased Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) activities, Bonamici introduced legislation to prohibit immigration enforcement actions at sensitive locations such as schools, hospitals, courthouses, and other locations that provide emergency services.