2017-SEP to DEC: President Trump's and the
"Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals"
(DACA) Program. He reverses his
position repeatedly. His approval ratings.

Part 17

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Part of the pro-DACA demonstration
in Washington DC, on 2017-SEP-05.

This topic is continued from the previous essay.

More reactions to President Trump's decision on DACA:

The following are excerpts from the full quotations. They are limited in length from the original text because of copyright concerns. See the "Reference" section below for links to the original, full texts:

In favor of protecting DACA youth and young adults:

• 15 states -- Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Illinois, Iowa, Massachusetts, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, & Washington, -- and the District of Columbia jointly filed a lawsuit in Brooklyn, NY federal court on 2017-SEP-06. It seeks to overturn President Trump's executive order to terminate DACA. ₂

The lawsuit says, in part that Trumps cancellation of DADA:

"... will cause harm to hundreds of thousands of the States’ residents, injure State-run colleges and universities, upset the States’ workplaces, damage the States’ economies, hurt State-based companies, and disrupt the States’ statutory and regulatory interests." ₃

The lawsuit states that the cost to New York state if DACA is terminated would be as much as $38.8 million over the next decade! ₃

Addressing a rally in New York, NY Attorney General Eric Schneiderman said that Trump's phasing out of DACA was:

"... cruel, shortsighted, inhumane, and potentially devastating to DREAMers. ... When a bully steps up, we know that you have to step up to stop them quickly. To President Trump, let me say something I've had to say many times this year: I'll see you in court."

 ₂

The court documents state that:

"The president has demonstrated a willingness to disparage Mexicans in a misguided attempt to secure support from his constituency, even when such impulses are impermissible motives for directing government policy.''

Washington state Attorney General Bob Ferguson said:

"Allowing nearly 18,000 DREAMers to live and work in Washington [State] makes our communities stronger and better places to live. I will do everything in my power to ensure that they can continue to feel secure in what is, for many of them, the only home they have ever known."

Sponsored link

• Javier Palomarez, President & CEO, United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (USHCC) posted the following:

  "The USHCC vehemently opposes the President’s inhumane and economically harmful decision to terminate DACA, which was enacted to shield almost 800,000 individuals who were brought to this country through no fault of their own, and who have already been vetted for criminal backgrounds.

  This disgraceful action goes against not only the values of this country, but also against the promise of this administration to focus homeland security resources towards individuals who have committed violent crimes and pose a threat to communities across the country.

  Moreover, rescinding the work permits of almost 800,000 people and forcing them into the shadows is reckless economic policy. Ending the DACA program will increase the undocumented population in the U.S. and cost the country $280 billion in lost economic growth over the next decade, according to a recent study by the CATO Institute.

  As a nation of immigrants, we have a moral responsibility to support and defend “Dreamers”, who arrived to this country -- at the average age of six -- through no fault of their own. These individuals have already become dynamic contributors to our American economy and play an important role in our communities. ..." ₄

• Leaders of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB), including the Conference's President, Vice President, and two committee chairmen, denounced the Administrations decision as "reprehensible." Their statement states:

  "The cancellation of the DACA program is reprehensible. It causes unnecessary fear for DACA youth and their families. These youth entered the U.S. as minors and often know America as their only home. The Catholic Church has long watched with pride and admiration as DACA youth live out their daily lives with hope and a determination to flourish and contribute to society: continuing to work and provide for their families, continuing to serve in the military, and continuing to receive an education. Now, after months of anxiety and fear about their futures, these brave young people face deportation. This decision is unacceptable and does not reflect who we are as Americans.

  The Church has recognized and proclaimed the need to welcome young people: 'Whoever welcomes one of these children in my name welcomes me; and whoever welcomes me does not welcome me but the one who sent me' (Mark 9:37). Today, our nation has done the opposite of how Scripture calls us to respond. It is a step back from the progress that we need to make as a country. Today's actions represent a heartbreaking moment in our history that shows the absence of mercy and good will, and a short-sighted vision for the future. DACA youth are woven into the fabric of our country and of our Church, and are, by every social and human measure, American youth.

  We strongly urge Congress to act and immediately resume work toward a legislative solution. We pledge our support to work on finding an expeditious means of protection for DACA youth.

  As people of faith, we say to DACA youth – regardless of your immigration status, you are children of God and welcome in the Catholic Church. The Catholic Church supports you and will advocate for you." ₅

• Leith Anderson, president of National Association of Evangelicals:

  "Americans may have a variety of views on the broader questions of immigration policy, but most agree that those who were brought to this country as children — and who have grown up here — should not be punished for the actions of their parents. Many of these young people are already deeply integrated into our churches and communities, and most know no other country than the United States." ₆

• Rabbi Jill Jacobs, executive director of T’ruah: "The Rabbinic Call for Human Rights:"

  "Within the Jewish community, many of our own families are alive today because of the relatively open immigration policies of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. And too many Jews died after being trapped in Europe when the borders closed in 1924. We understand the cruelty of forcing Dreamers back to the countries where they were born, but in many cases have never lived, and where — in some cases — their lives will be in danger." ₆

• David Silverman, president of American Atheists, said:

  "I have no doubt that countless DACA recipients were brought to our nation because of our commitment to religious freedom, religious equality, and government neutrality. I fight to protect those commitments and I will fight to protect those who come to the United States in search of them. Just as atheists are your friends, neighbors, and classmates, DACA recipients are as well. This is an issue that impacts us all." ₆

• Rev. Mariann Edgar Budde, bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Washington addressed DREAMers at a rally at the Washington National Cathedral. She said:

  "I want you to know that you belong here. We love you; we are so proud of you; and we need your gifts, talents and hard work to help make this country live up to its greatest ideals. Your dream is the American Dream of opportunity and diversity, of safe haven and of building a better life for ourselves and our families. The future of this country is in your hands. The president’s decision is not the final answer on DACA. We commit ourselves to work with and alongside you for a better day." ₇

• Russell Moore, president of the Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission of the Southern Baptist Convention -- the next largest Christian denomination after the Roman Catholic Church, said:

  "Congress should do the right thing and provide a solution for those who were brought here by parents as children. And churches will be here to speak hope to children now thrown into fear and insecurity about their families and futures."

Opposed to the protection of DACA youth and young adults:

• Pastor Mark Burn of the Harvest Praise and Worship Center in South Carolina tweeted:

  "AG Sessions announces that #DACA 'is being rescinded.' Good because Americans are Dreamers too...AmericaFirst." ₆

2017-SEP-13-14: President Trump seems to have reversed his position. He negotiates with Democrats to preserve DACA:

President Trump met with House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY). Later he told reporters:

"We’re not looking to citizenship. We’re not looking at amnesty. We’re looking at allowing people to stay here." ₈

As he left the White House to visit the victims of Hurricane Irma in Florida, he said:

"“We’re working on a plan for DACA. People want to see that happen. You have 800,000 young people brought here, no fault of their own, so we’re working on a plan. He said that the plan would include "massive border control," but that financing for the border wall with Mexico "will come later." ₈

Representative Steve King (R-IA) said:

"Trump caves on DACA. ... Reagan led with Amnesty, 1986. Bush43 led with Amnesty ’06, Obama led with Amnesty ’13. All failed. ... Trump leads with DACA Amnesty 2017."

Lindsay Walters, a White House spokesperson, said that DACA legislation would be introduce that would give DREAMers a:

"... responsible path forward ... [that] could include legal citizenship over a period of time. ... There will be no amnesty." ₈

Trump tweeted:

"Does anybody really want to throw out good, educated and accomplished young people who have jobs, some serving in the military? Really!" ₈

On SEP-14, House Speaker Paul Ryan, (R-WI) said that Trump's meeting with Democrats was:

"... a discussion, not an agreement or a negotiation. These are discussions understanding people's positions. ... Leader Schumer and I had a very productive meeting with President Trump where we agreed to a plan to work out an agreement to protect our nation’s dreamers from deportation. We insisted that the bipartisan Dream Act, the one introduced by Congresswoman [Lucille] Roybal-Allard, would be the basis for the protection and that we would review border security measures that do not include building a wall as we go forward." ₉

There is concern that Trump's "deal" with Democrats will destabilize the Republican Party. Rep. King (R-IA) issued a rather pessemistic tweet:

"Trump base is blown up, destroyed, irreparable, and disillusioned beyond repair. No promise is credible." ₉

2017-SEP-26: Public opinion polls on President Trump's performance:

An ABC News/Washington Post poll found that:

• Two in three adults (66%) believe that Trump has mainly divided the U.S.
• 28% believe that he has done more to unify the U.S.

When asked "Has Trump brought needed change" to the country:

• 59% answered "No."
• 39% answered "Yes."

When asked about whether they approved of President Trump's job approval rating:

• Their approval rating rose marginally from 36% in July to 39% in September, perhaps in response to the government's response to the hurricanes in Texas, Florida, etc.
• Their disapproval rating dropped marginally from 58 to 57%

Thiw was a small poll of only 1,002 adults. The margin of error is ±3.5 percentage points. Thus, the above changes were within the margin of error and may not be stastistically significant. ₁₀

2017-OCT-05: Coalition urges Congress to act in support of DREAMers:

Ethicist Russell Moore has organized a group of 51 evangelical leaders who have signed a statement urging Congress to help DREAMers. ₁₁ The statement says that they endorse:

"... underlying policy aim [of DACA] because we believe this is a special category of immigrants who are not legally culpable, who in most cases have no home other than the United States, and who are a blessing to their communities and to their churches."

Moore, president of the Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission (ERLC) of the Southern Baptist Conference, said:

"It is long past time for Congress to work together to find a workable solution for our broken immigration system -- especially for the hundreds of thousands of young, undocumented immigrants who were brought to our country by their parents. Many of these Dreamers have stepped forward in good faith, and our government has a moral obligation to deliver on the promises made to these men and women and protect them from perpetual uncertainty."

They suggested that action by Congress should be based on six principles:

• It is unjust to punish children for offenses they did not commit.
  
  
• America's borders must be secure.
  
  
• We should welcome Dreamers of good moral character and who are working hard to contribute to our country.
  
  
• Dreamers deserve to be recognized as our fellow Americans.
  
  
• Our government should provide a pathway to permanent legal status and/or citizenship for eligible Dreamers.
  
  
• A just government works to maintain the integrity of families."

Tom Strode, writing for the Baptist Press, said that the signers included:

• "SBC pastors such as Matt Chandler; Byron Day, also president of the National African American Fellowship of the SBC; J.D. Greear; D.A. Horton; Greg Laurie; A.B. Vines; and Afshin Ziafat.

• Non-SBC evangelical leaders such as Leith Anderson, president of the National Association of Evangelicals; D.A. Carson, president of The Gospel Coalition; Samuel Rodriguez, president of the National Hispanic Christian Leadership Conference; Rich Stearns, president of World Vision U.S.; and George Wood, general superintendent of the Assemblies of God.
  
  
• Theological school heads such as Daniel Akin, president of Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary; Timothy George, dean of Beeson Divinity School; Richard Land, president of Southern Evangelical Seminary; and Richard Mouw, president emeritus of Fuller Theological Seminary.

• Authors Randy Alcorn, Rosaria Butterfield, Thomas Kidd and Jen Wilkin; conservative editor Erick Erickson; hip-hop artist Shai Linne; and constitutional law expert Michael McConnell. and 28 others. ₁₂

Webmaster's comment:

A PDF copy of the statement can be downloaded from the Baptist Press web site. ₁₂ The Baptist Press has made provision for individuals to sign the statement. I totally agree with this statement, and signed it.

2017-DEC-29: President Trump attempts to blackmail Democrats:

Trump implied that he would veto any legislation that protected DACA recipients unless the bill contained legislaton to fund his proposed border wall between the U.S. and Mexico, and to end the immigration lottery system. Meanwhile, Democrats indicated that they would not vote for any additional funding measures to keep the government going temporarily, unless they provided protection for the Dreamers. Federal government funding is due to run out on 2018-JAN-19 and at least a temporary stop-gap budget will be needed to keep the government from shutting down. ₁₃

This topic continues in the next essay.

Some related essays on this web site about President Trump that may interest you:

• Part 1: Inauguration. Executive order to implement anti-Muslim ban. Court case. Airport demonstrations. Mosque burned to the ground.
  
  
• Part 2: Reactions of politicians outside the U.S. Mass murder at a Canadian mosque.
  
  
• Part 3: Synagogue attacked in Chicago. NYC subway train vandalized. Would Jesus approve of the Executive Order?
  
  
• Part 4: What would Jesus Do about Muslim refugees?
  
  
• Part 5: Reactions to President Trump's executive order by Arianna Huffington, a Christian talk show, The Harvard University Law School Review, and the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals -- a diverse group.

• Part 6: More Anti-religious Talk And Violence, 2017-FEB-09 to 19. President's approval rating sinks.
  
  
• Part 7: Bomb Threats at Community Centers. Reaction by some Christian denominations and leaders to Trump's executive order.
  
  
• Part 8: Reactions by religious leaders to President Trump's 1st Muslim country ban. Trump issues second Muslim ban.
  
  
• Part 9: Bomb Threats To U.S. Jewish Community Centers Continue; Ignored By The Trump Admin.
  
  
• Part 10: Bomb threats extend to Jewish Community Centers in Canada. Federal court in Hawaii stops President Trump's second Muslim country ban.
  
  
• Part 11: Federal Courts stop President Trump's second Muslim country ban (Cont'd).
  
  
• Part 12: Courts stop 2nd Muslim country ban (Concl.). Public assessment of the President. Earth Day 2017.
  
  
• Part 13: Is Pres. Trump successfully changing Washington? More federal court rulings on his Muslim travel ban. His approval/disapproval ratings among the public.
  
  
• Part 14: Supreme Court Accepts Muslim Ban Appeal. President Trump Visits Poland. The Blaze's poll.
  
  
• Part 15: The Nazi/alt-right/white nationalists rally in Charlottesville, VA and its impacts.
  
  
• Part 16: 2017-SEP: President Trump's Activity on the "Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals" (DACA) Program
  
  
  
• Part 18: Worst Enemy or Best Advocate? An essay donated by Contributing Editor Susan Humphreys.
  
  
• Part 19: 2017/2018: Courts rule on travel ban. Debate over resolution of the DACA program.

References used:

The following information sources were used to prepare and update the above essay. The hyperlinks are not necessarily still active today.

1. Lauren Rosenblatt, "Protesters march in Washington to show support for DACA," Los Angeles Times, 2017-SEP-05, at: http://www.latimes.com/ (The LA Times permits reuse of this image by other web sites, Facebook, etc.)
2. Kevin Johnson, " 'See you in court': 15 states and D.C. file lawsuit challenging Trump's DACA rollback," USA Today, 2017-SEP-06, at: https://www.usatoday.com/
3. Eric Shorey, "Over A Dozen Attorneys General Are Suing To Stop Trump From Ending DACA," Oxygen, 2017-SEP-07, at: http://www.oxygen.com
4. Javier Palomarez, "USHCC Statement on President Trump’s Decision to Terminate DACA," USHCC, 2017-SEP-05, at: http://ushcc.com/
5. "USCCB President, Vice President and Committee Chairmen Denounce Administration’s Decision to End DACA and Strongly Urge Congress to Find Legislative Solution," United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB), 2017-SEP-05, at: http://www.usccb.org/
6. Emily McFarlan Miller, "Religious leaders overwhelmingly condemn Trump ending DACA," Religion News Service, 2017-SEP-05, at: http://religionnews.com/
7. " 'Reprehensible,' 'unconscionable:' Christian leaders react to Trump’s decision to overturn DACA," The Washington Post, 2017-SEP-05, at: https://www.washingtonpost.com/
8. Margaret Talev, et al., "Trump and Democrats Near Another Deal, This Time on ‘Dreamers’," Bloomberg, 2017-SEP-14, at: https://www.bloomberg.com/
9. Benjamin Siegel, "Speaker Ryan denies Trump immigration deal with Democrats," ABC News, 2017-SEP-14, at: http://abcnews.go.com/
10. Carlos Garcia, "Does Trump unite or divide? A new poll shows two thirds of Americans agree," TheBlaze, 2017-SEP-25, at: http://www.theblaze.com/
11. ERLC Staff, "Evangelical Leader Statement of Principles on Dreamers," SBC Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission, 2017-OCT-05, at: https://erlc.com/
12. Tom Strode, "Evangelical leaders call for help for Dreamers," Baptist Press, 2017-OCT-05, at: http://bpnews.net/ A PDF copy of the statement can be downloaded at that web site.
13. Sara Gonzales, "Trump: No help for DACA recipients without funding for the border wall," TheBlaze, 2017-DEC-29, at: http://www.theblaze.com/

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Copyright © Ontario Consultants on Religious Tolerance
Author: B.A. Robinson
Originally posted on: 2017-DEC-30
Latest update: 2017-OCT-05