East Elmhurst, NY — “After saying that ‘We love the Dreamers’ and describing them as ‘terrific,’ President Donald Trump’s decision to revoke the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) is brutal and incomprehensible. It is disheartening to see how this president, son and grandson of immigrants, just killed the hopes and dreams of hundreds of thousands of Dreamers. The First Lady is an immigrant herself, so the action taken by President Trump is appalling.
“Repealing DACA is not only immoral, but it’s economic suicide, since, according to a study by the Center for American Progress, DACA beneficiaries will contribute $460.3 billion to the U.S. gross domestic product over the next decade. DACA not only provides hope and opportunity, it boosts our economy and creates jobs.
“President Trump is punishing young people who came to the United States by no fault of their own. Let’s not forget that Dreamers have already been properly vetted through the system and have met the rigorous requirements placed on them, not only to initially qualify but to renew the program as well. Not only that, Dreamers are our everyday neighbors and future doctors, engineers, teachers, architects that will move this country forward and build on the foundation of those who came before them.
“In light of this tragic and unjustified decision, now more than ever it is imperative that we, in New York, pass my DREAM Act legislation, a measure that will allow our undocumented immigrant college students enroll in the Tuition Assistance Program (TAP), leveling the playing field for all college students. It is time to help Dreamers, not attack them.
“Since being elected to public office, first to the New York State Assembly and now to the New York State Senate, I have been and continue to advocate for the rights of immigrants, not only in our city and in our state, but nationwide. This year I helped secure $10 million in the state’s budget for the immigrant and legal defense fund, the most that any state has allocated towards this, which now more than ever has become vital since Trump’s decision to revoke DACA. We cannot afford to lose our Dreamers to appease political rhetoric. This is a sad, tragic day for America. I hope this Administration rethinks this decision and works to put people over politics.”
