For Immediate Release: Wednesday, September 6, 2017
Montgomery County Council Statement on President Trump’s Decision to Rescind DACA
September 6, 2017
The Montgomery County Council denounces President Trump's decision to dismantle the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program. The temporary status provided through DACA empowered about 800,000 young people, who came to the United States as children and are often referred to as “Dreamers,” to establish roots in our community, earn college degrees and obtain the skills and training necessary to secure meaningful jobs. DACA has provided a sense of safety and ladders of opportunity for these young people and enhanced America's economy.
President Trump's decision on DACA will force these young people back into hiding and destroy their chances for full and productive lives. His decision flies in the face of racial and social justice and will have an economic impact on our nation. A December 2016 policy brief from the Immigrant Legal Resource Center estimates that 685,195 young immigrants will become unemployed if DACA is eliminated. This could mean a $24.6 billion loss for Social Security over the next decade. The Cato Institute reports that rescinding DACA will cost Maryland about $3 billion from 2018-2028.
The young people with temporary status provided through DACA have played by the rules and worked hard to establish their lives in America. That is why the Montgomery County Council will continue to stand by our "Dreamers." We will work with our representatives in Congress to stop this misguided and unjust decision.
Regardless of what happens at the federal level, Montgomery County remains an open and welcoming community for all its residents who are working hard to achieve the American dream.
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Release ID: 17-267