Hatch tells Trump not to scrap DACA

by Julia Manchester - 09/01/17 12:16 PM ET

Sen. Orrin Hatch (R-Utah) called on President Trump in a statement on Friday not to eliminate Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) as the White House reportedly considers halting the immigration program.

“I’ve urged the president not to rescind DACA, an action that would further complicate a system in serious need of a permanent, legislative solution,” the Senate Finance Committee chairman said.

“Like the president, I’ve long advocated for tougher enforcement of our existing immigration laws. But we also need a workable, permanent solution for individuals who entered our country unlawfully as children through no fault of their own and who have built their lives here,” he continued, adding, “That solution must come from Congress.”

{mosads}Hatch’s comment come amid speculation Trump will scrap the program.

Fox News reported on Thursday that Trump could end the program “as early as” Friday.

Under the program, nearly 800,000 people brought to the U.S. illegally as children have received work permits and deferral from deportation.

House Speaker Paul Ryan (R-Wis.) also pressed the president not to end the program on Friday.

Throughout his campaign and presidency, Trump has taken a hard line on illegal immigration, calling for a southern border wall and increased deportation.

Last month, the president announced his support for a plan that would drastically curb legal immigration, too.

Tags Orrin Hatch Paul Ryan