Internet divided as Kamala Harris vows to protect DACA saying 'the story of dreamers is story of America'
WASHINGTON, DC: Vice President Kamala Harris praised the Biden administration's efforts to protect recipients of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program on the 12th anniversary of the policy.
DACA, an Obama-era initiative, safeguards immigrants brought to the US illegally as children from deportation.
Kamala Harris says DACA recipients are 'a story of America'
In her statement, Harris highlighted the significant contributions of "Dreamers" to American society, noting their roles in various fields such as the military, education, and entrepreneurship.
She reiterated the administration's commitment to preserving and strengthening DACA, including ensuring access to affordable healthcare for recipients.
Harris described the story of Dreamers as "a story of America," noting their integral presence in communities and their positive impact on the economy.
"Their ambition and aspiration power our communities, economy, and country – and they deserve our protection," she stated.
Harris also acknowledged the ongoing efforts to maintain DACA but stressed that a permanent solution requires legislative action from Congress.
The story of Dreamers is a story of America. Their ambition and aspiration power our communities, economy, and country — and they deserve our protection.
— Vice President Kamala Harris (@VP) June 15, 2024
Read my full statement on the 12th anniversary of DACA: pic.twitter.com/xAQRGEDcPo
"Lawmakers must pass legislation that creates a path to citizenship," she urged, adding "The time for a lasting solution is long overdue."
Vice President Kamala Harris says Donald Trump has 'put our Dreamers at risk'
On social media platform X, Harris reiterated her support for Dreamers, contrasting the administration’s stance with former President Donald Trump's promises of mass deportations.
"On the 12th anniversary of DACA, know this: We stand with Dreamers. Donald Trump is promising mass deportations that put our Dreamers at risk," she posted along with a video.
On the 12th anniversary of DACA, know this: We stand with Dreamers.
— Kamala Harris (@KamalaHarris) June 15, 2024
Donald Trump is promising mass deportations that put our Dreamers at risk. pic.twitter.com/bjKVMhHmk6
President Joe Biden echoed these sentiments, praising the contributions of Dreamers and highlighting the administration’s commitment to protecting them and finding a path to citizenship.
"Twelve years ago today, President Obama and I announced the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program to allow our young people to live and work in the only country they’ve called home," he wrote in a statement shared by the White House.
Twelve years and 800,000 Dreamers later, DACA stands – allowing Dreamers who’ve lived here for most of their lives to work lawfully, pursue an education, open businesses, and make our communities stronger.
— President Biden (@POTUS) June 15, 2024
Congress must provide permanent stability for them and their families. pic.twitter.com/9RyHpFkXqp
"While Vice President Harris and I will continue fighting for our Dreamers, only Congress can provide permanent and lasting stability for them and their families. Congress must still act,” the president added, according to The Hill.
Internet reacts to Kamala Harris' support for DACA recipients
The internet's reaction to Harris' statements was divided. Some users expressed support for her stance and the administration's efforts.
"Keep the dream alive, Madam Vice President!" one user wrote. Another added, "Dreamers are the #heartbeat of America's future. Let's keep their dreams alive and thriving!"
However, many users voiced strong opposition to her support for DACA. "Illegal immigrant deportation is supported by most of the country. You don’t care about these 'Dreamers' you mention. You just want their vote," one user argued.
Other comments were even more critical with some suggesting deportation for both the vice president and President Joe Biden.
"It would be great if we could deport you and Joe to China," one wrote. Another user expressed staunch support for Trump’s immigration policies, stating, "I'm with Trump and the Constitution--ALL illegals need to go home."
A more blunt reaction read, "Illegals have no right being in America. That’s why they’re illegals. It’s not complicated. Deport them all."
Illegal immigrant deportation is supported by most of the country. You don’t care about these “ Dreamers” you mention. You just want their vote.
— Xxarna Z (@xxenna66) June 15, 2024
It would be great if we could deport you and Joe to China.
— Thomas Shaughnessy (@ThomasShaughn13) June 15, 2024
Dreamers are the #heartbeat of America's future. Let's keep their dreams alive and thriving!
— Tomer Rozenberg (@RozenbergTomer) June 15, 2024
It would be great if we could deport you and Joe to China.
— Thomas Shaughnessy (@ThomasShaughn13) June 15, 2024
I'm with Trump and the Constitution--ALL illegals need to go home.
— GreatAmericanMail (@mail_american) June 15, 2024
Illegals have no right being in America.
— Paul A. Szypula 🇺🇸 (@Bubblebathgirl) June 15, 2024
That’s why they’re illegals.
It’s not complicated.
Deport them all.
This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.