Legislators speak out on dismantling DACA

Oregon legislators are reacting to President Donald Trump's decision to dismantle the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) Program.

In a statement, Sen. Jeff Merkley (D-OR) called the move heartless and shortsighted. He said 11,000 so-called Dreamers in Oregon had strengthened the economy and communities, adding that ending DACA would tear families apart and shake the foundation of local economies.

"These are young Americans who came here through no fault of their own as children and know no other home," Merkley said. "Dreamers are productive and contributing members of our society, and ending this program would be not only a heartless betrayal, but also a devastating $460 billion blow to America's economy."

Rep. Suzanne Bonamici (D-OR) also took issue with Trump's move against DACA. She, too, called ending the program heartless and drew attention to the potential economic impact, saying the people brought to the U.S. as children should not be penalized for their parents' actions.

"The Trump Administration's decision to end the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program sends a message to the rest of the world that our country has lost its humanitarian spirit and inclusive values," Bonamici said.

"I've met many Dreamers, hard-working young adults whose parents brought them to the United States as young children, searching for a better life and working toward the American dream," she said.

Bonamici said the DACA beneficiaries were scared of what the future holds and worried about the prospect of being deported to another country, saying they are eager to contribute to the communities that they call home.

She said the Dreamers deserve a chance to succeed, pledging to work across the aisle on immigration reform legislation.

Bonamici has been a steadfast supporter of the DACA program and advocate for comprehensive immigration reform. She is a co-sponsor of the American Hope Act, 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.