This archive report was first published on 14 July 2019.
September 5th, 2017, marked a significant day in the ongoing debate over immigration in the United States. Former US President Barack Obama took to Facebook to express his strong opposition to President Donald Trump's decision to end the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program.
Obama described the decision as 'cruel' and condemned the White House for its actions. He noted that immigration can be a contentious issue, but emphasized that there should be no threat to the future of young people who are here through no fault of their own and pose no threat to society.
'What makes us American is not what we look like, or where our names come from, or the way we pray,' Obama said. 'What makes us American is our fidelity to a set of ideals—that all of us are created equal.'
Obama's statement served as a reminder to Congress that it is up to them to decide whether Trump's decision goes through. He urged lawmakers to take action and protect the rights of DACA recipients.
As the debate over DACA continues, one thing is clear: the fate of thousands of young people hangs in the balance. It remains to be seen how Congress will respond to Obama's call to action.
