President Donald Trump decided to end Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, better known as DACA, and urged Congress to come up with a fix in six months before the administration takes matters into its own hands.
Attorney General Jeff Sessions made the formal statement on Trump’s decision Tuesday after Trump tweeted it earlier the same day.
“We cannot admit everyone who would like to come here,†Sessions said according to a report by NPR. “It’s just that simple.â€
Former President Barack Obama created DACA through an executive order allowing about 800,000 people who crossed the border as children to request consideration for deferred action and work authorization. The Department of Homeland Security said specifically it does not grant citizenship.
University of Memphis President M. David Rudd addressed the campus community in an email detailing the university’s support for all U of M students affected by Trump’s decision.
“Rest assured that the American dream is alive and well at the University of Memphis, and we will be working with our representatives in the U.S. Congress and Senate to make sure our voices are heard on an issue so critical to the future of our country and University,†Rudd said in the email.
The U of M will also work with the Association of Public and Land Grant Universities to protect these students and periodical updates will be provided over the six months Congress takes action.
“As with many of our students, their journey to the U of M has not been an easy one, and the road ahead promises serious challenges,†Rudd said in the email. “They should know that they are not alone, as we will be working through our elected officials to support their argument that not only do they belong on our campus, but they are making significant contributions to our campus, our community and our country.â€
Congressman Steve Cohen, who represents the Memphis area, released a statement right after Trump’s decision was announced denouncing it by saying it was “heartless, illogical and un-American.†He went on to say Congress must act quickly to protect the DREAMers,  or people who are protected by DACA.
“DACA is a commonsense, compassionate program that helps protect from deportation young people who were brought to the United States by no choice of their own,†Cohen said in the statement. “I urge Congress to move quickly to protect these bright and talented young people who have significantly contributed to what makes America great.â€
With Trump’s decision, the DHS issued the “phase out†of DACA. They will provide a limited six-month window for DACA requests and work authorization. DACA benefits will be provided on a two-year basis and current participants will be able to retain DACA and work authorizations until they expire. Adjudications will be made on case-by-case basis, according to the DHS.
Acting secretary of the DHS Elaine Duke sent out a memo on Sept. 5 to departments of the U.S. government on DHS’s next steps for DACA.
“Department of Homeland Security personnel shall take all appropriate actions to execute a wind-down of the program, consistent with the parameters established in this memorandum,†Duke said in the memo.
