Trump Tells DACA Recipients ‘You Have Nothing to Worry About’ – for Six Months
He’s Wrong – Some Must Apply for Renewal Soon
Clearly aware of the near-universal condemnation over his decision to kill DACA, President Trump Thursday morning told DACA recipients they can rest easy for the next six months, until the program that protects them officially goes in to effect.
“For all of those (DACA) that are concerned about your status during the 6 month period, you have nothing to worry about – No action!” the president promised.Â
But that’s not entirely accurate, for several reasons.
In an FAQ United We Dream notes that “DACA issuances and work permits expiring between now and March 5, 2018 must be submitted for renewal by October 5, 2017.”
Second, his words no doubt ring hollow to the 800,000 DACA enrollees, not to mention an additional 200,000 children whose parents will be deported after DACA ends.
Trump clearly has no idea what this decision means for the millions of people – families, friends, neighbors, employers, businesses, and more – affected by it.Â
As New York Times White House correspondent Maggie Haberman says, Trump’s tweet is just not true:
This isn’t true https://t.co/sQHlh5xuPf
— Maggie Haberman (@maggieNYT) September 7, 2017
For example, on Wednesday The Washington Post reported DACA “reduced mental illness in dreamers’ children.”
Also on Wednesday, Trump tersely told reporters he had “no second thoughts” when asked about ending the Obama-era immigration program that allows enrollees a work permit, a Social Security number (but no benefits), and protection from deportation unless they break the law.
But just one day earlier, clearly aware of the backlash, Trump posted a tweet promising to “revisit” the decision if Congress fails to act in the six month period.
Congress now has 6 months to legalize DACA (something the Obama Administration was unable to do). If they can’t, I will revisit this issue!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) September 6, 2017
HuffPost senior justice reporter Ryan Reilly posts this observation on Trump’s tweet:
There’s a solid chance this tweet finds its way into a DACA lawsuit by the end of the day. https://t.co/qRuee2yfnu
— Ryan J. Reilly (@ryanjreilly) September 7, 2017
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Image by Harrie van Veen via Flickr and a CC license
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