Zoe Lofgren: “Some have been asking whether this bill repeals DACA and puts the DREAMers back in deportation, and the answer is yes.…”

“Some have been asking whether this bill repeals DACA and puts the DREAMers back in deportation, and the answer is yes. Page 1, lines 5 through 17 point out that no funds can be used for a new application. The DACA applications were a granted deferred action for 2 years. They must make a new application--and there is no guarantee that application will be approved--at the end of 2 years. That is beginning now. So this will require that the DREAMers be removed from deferred action and become subject to deportation. Further, the bill is meant to treat all children the way we treat Mexican children, but it does more than that. Right now, the Border Patrol is required to determine on a case-by-case basis whether a child has the capacity--whether they are old enough--to independently withdraw an application. That is stricken in this bill. The law says now that a Mexican child who raises no persecution or trafficking concerns may be permitted to withdraw an application and voluntarily return home if the child is able to make the decision. This bill changes the law to say that a child may be permitted to withdraw an application, but, in the event, the child shall be returned. It doesn't matter whether the child has the ability to make a decision. No matter what, that kid is going home. So that is new. Current law says that even Mexican children can request to see an immigration judge, but this bill says that is not the case.…”