News Release - Statement from Mayor Lovely A. Warren on Decision to End DACA

City of Rochester

News Release

(Tuesday, Sept. 5, 2017) – The shameful and repugnant decision to end Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) is an act of political calculus designed to appeal to the worst instincts of racism, bigotry, cynicism and fear. It is no surprise that a man who cannot distinguish between hate speech and free speech has now seen fit to deny the American dream to almost 1 million young people who have lived as Americans since childhood. In the absence of Presidential leadership, I urge Congress to step in and immediately do the right thing by passing the Development, Relief and Education for Alien Minors (DREAM) Act, which has enjoyed bi-partisan support since 2001.

As the daughter of an immigrant, I know full well that Dreamers make America and our cities stronger. That is why I am so thankful for the leadership of Governor Andrew Cuomo and Attorney General Eric Schneiderman, who have vowed to protect the rights of Dreamers in New York State. As Mayor of the state’s third largest city, I stand ready to support their efforts. Dreamers will always be welcome in Rochester – a Sanctuary City.

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News Media: For more information, contact Press Officer Jessica Alaimo at 428-7135.