Statement on DACA Program

House Speaker Paul Office WASHINGTONHouse Speaker Paul Ryan (R-WI) issued the following statement following the Trump administrations announcement to end the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program:

However well-intentioned President Obamas DACA program was a clear abuse of executive authority an attempt to create law out of thin air. Just as the courts have already struck down similar Obama policy this was never a viable long-term solution to this challenge. Congress writes laws not the president and ending this program fulfills a promise that President Trump made to restore the proper role of the executive and legislative branches. But now there is more to do and the president has called on Congress to act. The presidents announcement does not revoke permits immediately and it is important that those affected have clarity on how this interim period will be carried out. At the heart of this issue are young people who came to this country through no fault of their own and for many of them its the only country they know. Their status is one of many immigration issues such as border security and interior enforcement which Congress has failed to adequately address over the years. It is my hope that the House and Senate with the presidents leadership will be able to find consensus on a permanent legislative solution that includes ensuring that those who have done nothing wrong can still contribute as a valued part of this great country."