SAN DIEGO (KGTV) - San Diego Unified School District condemned President Trump's decision to rescind the DACA program, and officials reassured local families that its schools will continue to be safe zones for all students.
On Tuesday, Trump and his administration announced it would be phasing out the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program over the next six months, giving Congress an opportunity to find a new solution.
DACA has been available to immigrants without criminal records who were brought to the country when they were younger than 16 years old. Work permits issued under DACA must be renewed every two years.
Despite the decision, district officials said they are "committed to protecting the rights of every child to an education. All children are welcome in our school community. The mission of public schools is to create opportunity -- not for some children, but for all. We are better off as a nation thanks to the contributions of immigrants regardless of their legal status. Rescinding the rights of these dreamers is an injustice to the American People."
In a statement, San Diego Unified Superintendent Cindy Marten said:
"The DACA program has helped bring thousands of talented students and teachers to our classrooms, many of whom have become doctors, police officers and firefighters - contributing members of our communities. Rescinding this program not only impacts the legal status for thousands of immigrant children and families who make our city and our schools great, but the emotional toll is immeasurable. This action is unacceptable and as a district we will fight to protect the rights of the students we serve and deeply care for."
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Jeff Schwilk, the founder of San Diegans for Secure Borders, told 10News his group is very happy with the president's decision to eliminate DACA, calling the program "unconstitutional."
The group says the action was a campaign promise and part of why Trump was elected.
