The Mexican government said Tuesday it “deeply regrets” the Trump administration’s decision to roll back the Deferred Action of Childhood Arrivals program and “expresses deep concern” about the uncertainty those born in Mexico who are protected by the program now face.
“The Mexican government has invariably stated that the DACA young people, also known as Dreamers, contribute in a significant and daily way to the economy, culture and society of the country to which they arrived as children,” Mexico’s secretary of foreign relations said in a statement. “Just a few days ago, in his message to the nation on the occasion of his fifth report of the government, the president of the Republic, Enrique Pena Nieto, reiterated to all the young Dreamers their recognition, admiration, and solidarity without reservations.
“Therefore, the Mexican government regrets the decision announced today to end DACA and expresses deep concern about the uncertainty that will now be faced by thousands of young people born in Mexico.”
In its statement, the Mexican government said it understood U.S. immigration policy “rests exclusively” with the U.S. government, but stressed the country “cannot ignore the fact” that thousands of young people born in Mexico are affected by the Trump administration’s announcement.
The Mexican government also said it sent letters to members of Congress through its ambassador to the U.S., Geronimo Gutierrez, discussing the value of DACA beneficiaries and urging lawmakers to find a permanent legislative solution.
However, the country said it would welcome Dreamers back to Mexico “with open arms.”
“On instructions from President Enrique Pena Nieto, federal government agencies are strengthening their actions in order to offer them the greatest support, harness their talents and abilities, and integrate them fully into the national society and economy,” the Mexican government said.
Attorney General Jeff Sessions announced Tuesday the Trump administration would end DACA in six months, giving Congress time to act legislatively. The program was enacted under former President Barack Obama in June 2012 by executive order and protects those who were brought into the country illegally as minors from the threat of deportation.
The program provides legal protections for roughly 800,000 illegal immigrants between the ages of 15 and 36.
