Feinstein Statement on Trump Administration Immigration Actions

Washington—Senator Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.) today issued the following statement in reaction to the Department of Homeland Security’s announcement regarding immigration:

“Last night, on the fifth anniversary of the announcement of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals Program, the Department of Homeland Security issued conflicting statements regarding the fate of immigrant families.

“On one hand, the administration didn’t remove protections for children and young people. On the other hand, the administration rescinded the deferred action program for undocumented parents of U.S. citizen children and legal permanent residents.

“I hope the decision to leave the DACA program in place is a step toward ensuring Dreamers are permanently shielded from deportation. More than 350,000 Dreamers live, work and go to school in California—nearly half the young people nationwide who have been admitted to the program. Giving these young people an opportunity to go to college, pursue careers and give back to their communities has been tremendously beneficial for our state.

“These impressive young people are Americans in every sense of the word and, while it shouldn’t have taken this long, it’s good news that Dreamers finally have some sense of security after months of uncertainty and fear.

“I’m disappointed the administration rescinded the deferred action program for undocumented parents. These families are a vital part of the fabric of California and I’ve seen the damage caused by separating parents and children.  I’m concerned this will increase the already heighted level of fear in immigrant communities. I’m committed to working to protect law-abiding immigrants in my state.”

###