Oakland, CA – This week, Mayor Libby Schaaf issued the following statement on President Trump’s looming decision regarding an Executive Order ending the DACA Program
“The simple fact that President Trump is threatening to end the DACA program is reprehensible and breaks a promise this country made to nearly 800,000 young people who are currently working toward the American dream in the ultimate nation of immigrants.
“Oakland and Alameda County are home to approximately 17,000 DACA eligible young people who have made the most of their opportunity to lawfully seek higher education and employment in the United States, and I am committed to protecting our neighbors from the devastating impacts of family separation and deportation.
“Cities are where the needs of our nation’s immigrants are felt most acutely. Oakland has long had a vibrant immigrant community, and that benefits all Oaklanders. Oakland was at the forefront when we joined other cities in implementing the 2012 #DACA directive by investing money in outreach and legal services, working with school districts to create new databases to facilitate record requests, and improving access to public documents.
“I urge Mr. Trump not to be swayed by a small number of states who willfully choose to ignore that DACA has not only improved the lives of undocumented young people and their families but has also positively affected the economy -- rescinding DACA would cost California $11 Billion in lost economic value -- and enhanced our communities through greater social inclusion, civic participation and education, which benefits all Americans. Oakland stands with Dreamers.”