Gov. Sununu wants a fix for “Dreamers”

On Tuesday the Trump administration announced an end to Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA), which granted legal status to young adults brought to the United States illegally when they were children.

The Obama administration started the program.  Participants are often called “Dreamers,” since DACA is based on the ideas of the Development, Relief, and Education for Alien Minors (DREAM) Act.  The Act never passed Congress.

An illegal program for illegal immigrants?

Opponents of DACA argue that President Obama did not have the authority to implement the program without Congress passing a law.

In a statement President Trump said:

“The Attorney General of the United States, the Attorneys General of many states, and virtually all other top legal experts have advised that the program is unlawful and unconstitutional and cannot be successfully defended in court.  There can be no path to principled immigration reform if the executive branch is able to rewrite or nullify federal laws at will.” 

President Trump also said DACA permits will continue for at least another six months, giving Congress time to pass a law.

Impact of DACA in New Hampshire

About 400 young adults in New Hampshire have DACA permits.

New Hampshire Gov. Chris Sununu was quick to release a statement after President Trump’s announcement, urging Congress to create a path for Dreamers to keep their legal status:

“It is my hope that the House and Senate reach a legislative solution that provides children – many of whom have never known another home besides America – certainty that they can continue to contribute to society for the years to come. Our Country should not hold children legally accountable for the actions of their parents.”

All four members of New Hampshire’s congressional delegation released statements criticizing President Trump’s decision and voicing support for a law to continue to the program.

Visit our issue page on state immigration enforcement to learn more about New Hampshire's role in immigration policy.

Do you have an opinion on DACA and the legal status of children brought to the United States?  Share your thoughts in the comments below.