DHS Meets with Hispanic Caucus to Discuss DACA

thehill.com

On Wednesday, July 12,  Department of Homeland Security Secretary John Kelly met with the Congressional Hispanic Caucus on Capitol Hill to discuss the uncertain fate of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals Act.  During his campaign, Trump pushed hard against DACA, placing it on the top of his list of programs to cut.  However, since gaining office he has softened his stance on the program leaving many of his supporters angry, and many Dreamers tentatively optimistic.
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Although Kelly did not speak to the press, many of the lawmakers present commented on the hour-long meeting.  Kelly supposedly said that he is personally in support of DACA, although he does not seem to think that the program will stand up legally in court— an issue that the administration may face after several state attorneys general have demanded that the program be terminated.
 
Kelly has urged Congress to come up with a solution, which may lie in the bi-partisan Bridge Act, which would provide a legal status for Dreamers.  However, Kelly has yet to endorse or support this endeavor, ultimately leaving lawmakers in the same spot.
 
Our Verdict: Kelly’s half-hearted support for DACA and similar programs makes it look as if this issue is not on his list of priorities— although it should be.  HIs comments made at the meeting with the Congressional Hispanic Caucus seemed vague and unsubstantial at best, leaving very little accomplished.