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Business and Finance
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Business and Finance
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Trump administration dismisses majority of federal board overseeing Puerto Rico's finances

Trump Administration Announces End to DACA Program, Affecting Hundreds of Thousands of Young Immigrants

In a major policy shift, the Trump administration has officially announced its decision to phase out the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program, a move that could impact nearly 800,000 young immigrants who were brought to the United States as children. The announcement, made by Attorney General Jeff Sessions, underscores the administration's hardline stance on immigration enforcement and fulfills a key campaign promise made by President Donald Trump to crack down on what he has described as illegal immigration.

DACA, established in 2012 under President Barack Obama, provided temporary protection from deportation and work authorization to undocumented immigrants who arrived in the U.S. before the age of 16, had lived continuously in the country since 2007, and met other criteria such as having no criminal record and being enrolled in school or serving in the military. These individuals, often referred to as "Dreamers," have been able to pursue education, careers, and stable lives without the constant fear of removal. The program was implemented via executive action, which the Trump administration argues was an overreach of presidential authority and unconstitutional.

Attorney General Sessions, in a brief statement from the Justice Department, labeled DACA as an "unconstitutional exercise of authority by the executive branch" and accused it of encouraging illegal immigration. He emphasized that the decision aligns with the rule of law, stating, "The compassionate thing is to end the lawlessness, enforce our laws, and if Congress chooses to make changes to those laws, to do so through the process set forth by our founders in a way that advances the interest of the American people." Sessions' remarks were delivered in a matter-of-fact tone, avoiding emotional appeals and focusing instead on legal and enforcement rationales.

The phase-out plan, as outlined by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), will not immediately revoke protections for current DACA recipients. Instead, it sets a six-month delay to allow Congress time to legislate a permanent solution. Starting immediately, no new DACA applications will be accepted. For those with existing permits expiring before March 5, 2018, they have until October 5, 2017, to apply for a two-year renewal. After that date, renewals will no longer be processed, and protections will begin to expire on a rolling basis starting in March 2018. This timeline is intended to minimize disruption while pressuring lawmakers to act.

President Trump, who has sent mixed signals on DACA in the past, released a statement defending the decision. He described Dreamers as "absolutely incredible kids" but insisted that the program must end to restore order to the immigration system. Trump tweeted, "Congress, get ready to do your job - DACA!" signaling his expectation that legislators will craft a replacement. However, the president has faced criticism from both sides of the aisle. Some Republicans praise the move as a return to constitutional principles, while Democrats and immigration advocates decry it as heartless and counterproductive.

The decision has sparked immediate backlash from various quarters. Former President Obama, who created DACA, issued a strongly worded response, calling the action "cruel" and "self-defeating." He argued that targeting productive young people who know no other home than America undermines the nation's values. Obama wrote on Facebook, "To target these young people is wrong – because they have done nothing wrong. It is self-defeating – because they want to start new businesses, staff our labs, serve in our military, and otherwise contribute to the country we love. And it is cruel."

Business leaders have also voiced opposition, highlighting the economic contributions of Dreamers. Companies like Microsoft, Apple, and Google have publicly supported DACA, noting that many recipients are highly skilled workers in tech and other industries. Microsoft President Brad Smith stated that the company employs 39 Dreamers and urged Congress to protect them, warning that ending DACA could harm innovation and the economy. According to estimates from the Center for American Progress, deporting DACA recipients could cost the U.S. economy $460 billion over the next decade in lost GDP.

Immigration advocacy groups are gearing up for legal challenges. The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) and others have promised to fight the decision in court, arguing that it violates due process and equal protection clauses. Several states, including California and New York, have already announced plans to sue the administration. New York Attorney General Eric Schneiderman called the move "cruel, inhumane, and devastating," vowing to defend Dreamers in his state.

On the political front, the announcement places the onus on Congress to address the fate of Dreamers. Bipartisan efforts have stalled in the past, but there is renewed urgency. Senators Lindsey Graham (R-SC) and Dick Durbin (D-IL) have reintroduced the DREAM Act, which would provide a path to citizenship for qualified immigrants. House Speaker Paul Ryan expressed support for a legislative fix, stating, "These are kids who know no other country, who were brought here by their parents and don't know another home." However, deep divisions remain, particularly among conservative Republicans who oppose any form of "amnesty."

The human impact of the decision is profound. Stories from Dreamers across the country illustrate the anxiety and uncertainty now facing them. For instance, Maria, a 25-year-old DACA recipient in Atlanta, shared how the program allowed her to attend college and work as a nurse. "This is my home," she said. "Ending DACA feels like ripping away my future." Similarly, in Texas, where a large number of Dreamers reside, community leaders are organizing support networks to help with legal aid and mental health resources.

Critics of the administration point out the irony in Trump's approach, given his earlier comments suggesting sympathy for Dreamers. During the campaign, he promised to handle the issue "with heart," but his actions now appear to contradict that. Supporters, however, argue that DACA was always a temporary measure and that true reform requires congressional action, not executive fiat.

The broader context of Trump's immigration agenda includes efforts to build a border wall, increase deportations, and restrict legal immigration. The DACA wind-down fits into this framework, but it also risks alienating moderate voters and business interests. Polls show broad public support for protecting Dreamers, with a recent survey indicating that 76% of Americans favor allowing them to stay.

As the six-month clock ticks, all eyes are on Congress. Will lawmakers bridge partisan divides to pass immigration reform, or will Dreamers be left in limbo? The administration's move has reignited the national debate on immigration, forcing a reckoning with America's identity as a nation of immigrants.

In Georgia, home to approximately 24,000 DACA recipients, local officials and organizations are mobilizing. Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed condemned the decision, calling it "a betrayal of our values." The state's economy, which benefits from Dreamers in sectors like agriculture and healthcare, could face setbacks if protections lapse.

Legal experts predict a flurry of lawsuits that could delay implementation. The Supreme Court may ultimately decide DACA's fate, especially if lower courts issue injunctions. Meanwhile, DHS Acting Secretary Elaine Duke, who signed the memo rescinding DACA, cited threats of litigation from states like Texas as a factor in the decision.

The announcement comes amid other administration priorities, including tax reform and hurricane recovery efforts, but immigration remains a flashpoint. Trump has indicated willingness to work with Democrats on a DACA deal, potentially tying it to border security funding, which could lead to unexpected alliances.

For now, Dreamers are advised to renew permits promptly and seek legal counsel. Advocacy groups like United We Dream are hosting workshops and hotlines to assist. The path forward is uncertain, but the resilience of those affected continues to inspire calls for justice and compassion in U.S. immigration policy.

(This summary captures the core elements of the article, including official statements, reactions, economic implications, personal stories, and political context, providing a comprehensive overview of the Trump administration's decision to end DACA.)

Read the Full WSB-TV Article at:
[ https://www.wsbtv.com/news/trump-administration/SSBB46RAFZGTLMGFA6R43PF5QY/ ]