The Arlington Republican Party is criticizing the Arlington County Board for issuing a statement condemning President Donald Trump’s decision to end the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program for undocumented immigrants.
The County Board joined other local and statewide elected officials in condemning Trump’s decision.
Members called the decision an “act of cruelty” that will “will tear apart families, cause substantial economic damage to our nation and further divide Americans.”
But in a statement of his own on Wednesday morning, Arlington GOP chair Jim Presswood said the Board’s criticism was “misguided” and that it is up to Congress to pass immigration reform legislation.
Presswood also said he is “optimistic” that young people, known as Dreamers, can stay in the United States.
Presswood said:
The Arlington County Board’s criticism of President Trump’s decision to phase out the DACA program is misguided. The Board said in its statement released yesterday that the decision was an act of cruelty that will tear apart families.
The president, however, only passed the decision on the DACA issues back to Congress, where it rightfully belongs. President Obama clearly overstepped his authority when he created the program in 2012 without any rational connection to a law enacted by Congress. Congress, not the president, is the branch of government that should be making law.
Congressional Republicans, including Speaker Paul Ryan and Northern Virginia Congresswoman Barbara Comstock, support comprehensive immigration reform on issues related to DACA, border security, and enforcement. Speaker Ryan said that he wants a permanent legislative solution for these issues “that includes ensuring that those who have done nothing wrong can still contribute as a valued part of this great country.”
I’m optimistic a solution will be quickly found that enables these young people to stay in our country. It’s the right thing to do.