The Trump administration is rescinding the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program — an Obama-era immigration program that allowed some undocumented immigrants to remain in the U.S.
"I'm here today to announce that the program known as DACA that was effectuated under the Obama administration is being rescinded," Attorney General Jeff Sessions said.
But Sessions says the administration will give Congress time to come up with a legislative solution to the program.
This decision won't immediately affect the 790,000 DACA recipients currently in the program. They'll be allowed to stay in the country until their permits expire.
The Washington Post says the Department of Homeland Security will allow recipients whose permits expire by March 5, 2018, to apply for a permit renewal. They would need to do so by Oct. 5.
Well supported by conservative groups, this directive is in line with Trump's anti-illegal immigration campaign promises.
"We will immediately terminate President Obama's two illegal executive amnesties, in which he defied federal law and the Constitution," Trump said at a campaign rally in Arizona.
In the weeks leading up to the announcement, DACA advocates protested in front of the White House. A letter signed by more 1,800 governors and community leaders across the U.S. was sent to Trump in support of the program.
House Republican Mike Coffman announced he would file a discharge petition to protect young undocumented immigrants. Twelve Republicans have co-sponsored the legislation.
