Congressman DeSaulnier’s Statement on President Trump’s Back and Forth Position on DACA

Washington, D.C. – Congressman Mark DeSaulnier (CA-11) issued the following statement in response to President Trump's back and forth position on the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program and House Republican efforts to block a vote on the bipartisan Dream Act (H.R. 3440), which would provide a pathway to permanent residency for DACA recipients.

"President Trump's decision to end DACA is cowardly, heartless, and irresponsible. Over the past five years, nearly 800,000 young people put their trust in our government, came forward, and registered in order to contribute to the country they love and call home. These young people attend college, hold jobs in our communities, pay taxes, and some even serve in our military. The President's action would abandon these young people—sending them back to countries they do not remember, without a job, and often without knowledge of the language spoken.

"Through a series of mixed messages, President Trump is eliciting fear in DACA recipients. As a candidate, Trump campaigned on ending DACA, but as a newly elected President he assured DACA recipients they had no reason to worry. This week, he issued a decision to end the DACA program, but eight hours later tweeted that he would revisit the issue—proving again that he is the ‘Flip-Flopper in Chief.' It is time for Donald Trump to stop playing to his base and be the President of the United States.

"As we continue to press Republican leadership to pass the Dream Act, anyone living in our Congressional District who is fearful of anti-DACA actions should contact my office in either Richmond or Walnut Creek, and we will do everything we can to tell your story, fight for you, and ensure you are protected," said Congressman DeSaulnier.

Statistics on DACA Recipients

• Under DACA, average hourly wages rose by 69 percent, translating to more tax revenue for cities, states, and the country
• 16 percent of DACA recipients bought houses
• 5 percent of DACA recipients started businesses
• At least 72 percent of top 25 Fortune 500 companies employ DACA beneficiaries
• DACA beneficiaries will contribute $460.3 billion to the U.S. gross domestic product over the next decade—economic growth that would be lost were DACA to be eliminated

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