With the fate of DACA just days – if not hours – away, we dug up this old video of President Trump discussing his potential plans for young immigrants. While he has always been vocal on his immigration stance, the DACA program and the DREAM Act have been issues he has flip-flopped on.
When asked about his stance on ‘Dreamers’ – “the children who were brought here by their parents,” (not necessarily to be confused with DACA recipients), the President made some statements that are not necessarily aligned with what he’s expected to do now.
Trump’s response was “they shouldn’t be very worried. They are here illegally, they shouldn’t be very worried. I do have a big heart. We’re going to take care of everybody.” He then plugged the border wall again saying “we’re going to have a very strong border” but then continued, “we have great people who are here that have done a good job. They should be far less worried.”
The response did not elaborate on whether he would uphold DACA and how those who qualify would be taken care of.
Earlier today, Trump said, “we love Dreamers; we love everybody… the Dreamers are terrific.” His announcement is expected to come over the weekend, or possibly Labor Day. Many Republicans – Speaker Paul Ryan included – have spoken out saying that the President needs to show his “big heart” and take care of the nearly 800,000 protected under DACA.
Exactly how the Trump Administration will handle the DACA program remains a mystery. Some White House officials have urged him to end the program as those protected are not here legally. Others have urged the president to uphold the Obama-era rule, so that America can keep its word to undocumented minors.
That means as many as 800,000 immigrants will find out by Tuesday if the Trump Administration will honor the promises of the past White House, or not.