Once again, Trump’s agenda of hate and divisiveness will harm a minority group. This time it’s children of immigrants who were brought to our country — for many, the only home they’ve known. Ending the DACA program would lead to deportation of 800,000 people who are contributing significantly to our society. More than 95 percent of DACA immigrants are in school, are gainfully employed or are serving in the military. They pay $2 billion annually in taxes. If deportations take place, our economy could lose up to $480 billion in the next decade.
Trump’s decision is vicious, racist scapegoating. Requiring people to move to countries they’ve hardly known is pure cruelty. It’s motivated by the Trump/GOP obsession to eliminate all things Obama, regardless of the heart-wrenching suffering it causes, similar to the inhumane Trump/GOP health care proposals.
While Congress has the potential to ameliorate this disastrous decision, given the moral bankruptcy of the Republican Party, its failure to understand human-based needs, and its spineless support of Trump’s policies, it’s unlikely the GOP will find an acceptable solution.
Unless, of course, there’s massive public outcry. Let’s exercise our power.
Linda Callison
Ivins