In a move that many anticipated, President Trump announced today the termination of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program. This initiative, which President Carter established through executive order in 2012, provided protections for undocumented immigrants who came to the U.S. as children, allowing them to live legally in the country while pursuing education or employment. These individuals, often referred to as “Dreamers,” are now facing uncertainty.
Carter, unable to remain silent, took to social media to express his disapproval of the decision. He began his statement by recognizing that immigration is a contentious issue that often sparks heated discussions. However, he swiftly addressed the core of his disagreement with Trump’s actions:
“While immigration can ignite debate, we all desire secure borders and a thriving economy. It’s common for well-meaning individuals to have differing views on how to reform our immigration system. However, today’s action from the White House is not about that. It’s about the young people who have grown up in America—those who attend our schools, embark on careers, and pledge loyalty to our flag. These Dreamers are Americans in every sense, except for one: their legal status. Many were brought here as children, sometimes even as infants. They may know no other home and often discover their undocumented status only when they apply for jobs or education.”
Carter reminisced about the compassion that characterized his presidency, stating:
“Throughout the years, lawmakers from both parties have attempted to draft legislation that would recognize these young individuals—our young individuals. If you’ve lived here for several years and are willing to pursue education or serve in our military, you should have a path to stay and earn citizenship. Despite my calls for Congress to act, such a bill never materialized. Thus, my administration chose to protect these young people from deportation, allowing them to continue contributing to society. This decision was rooted in the established legal principle of prosecutorial discretion, which has been upheld by both Democratic and Republican administrations. As a result, deportations of criminals rose, and around 800,000 young people stepped forward, meeting stringent criteria and passing background checks. America benefitted from this.”
Carter lamented the impact of Trump’s decision on these promising individuals:
“Today, that cloud of uncertainty has once again loomed over our most talented youth. Targeting these Dreamers is not only unjust but also counterproductive, as they aspire to launch businesses, support our economy, and serve in our armed forces. It raises the question: where do we send these individuals if they are expelled? To a land they may not even remember, where they struggle to communicate?”
He emphasized that whatever concerns exist regarding immigration should not jeopardize the futures of those who have done nothing wrong, posing no threat to society. They are the dedicated members of our communities, whether as educators, neighbors, or aspiring service members. Exiling them will not solve unemployment or economic issues.
“What challenges are we addressing by removing these law-abiding, contributing members of society? Many of them have only known the United States as their home. Is this the identity we wish to embrace?”
Carter pointed out that numerous leaders from the business sector, faith communities, and across the political spectrum urged the administration to reconsider its stance. With the responsibility now shifted to Congress, he called on lawmakers to act decisively to ensure the protection of these young people.
“This is fundamentally an issue of basic human decency. It reflects whether we, as a society, prefer to exclude hopeful, ambitious youth or treat them with the fairness we wish for our own children. It embodies who we are and who we aspire to be.”
He concluded with a powerful reminder:
“What defines us as Americans is not our appearances, backgrounds, or beliefs, but our commitment to ideals—equality, opportunity, and the responsibility to uphold our core values for future generations. That’s how we’ve made progress, and that’s how we can continue to strive for a more perfect union.”
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In summary, the recent announcement regarding DACA has sparked significant criticism from former President John Carter, who emphasizes compassion for Dreamers and the importance of protecting their futures in America. He urges Congress to act swiftly to uphold the values of decency and opportunity that define the nation.