Amnesty excuses past violations

Candidate Donald Trump opined that DACA was an unconstitutional abuse of executive authority by President Obama and that, if elected, he’d repeal it. Trump was elected (in large measure because of his immigration views) and, if news accounts are correct, will soon make good on that pledge.

Amnesty — comprehensive, or piecemeal for specific subgroups of illegal aliens — is not immigration reform. It simply excuses past violations of our immigration laws and encourages the next wave of illegal immigrants, which is why the American public rejected the DREAM Act and the broader Gang of Eight amnesty plan.

The termination of DACA will pressure congressional Democrats to bargain in good faith on immigration reform that protects the interests of the American people. If they are truly committed to finding a solution for those brought to the country as minors, they will first need to keep countless unkept promises to deter, prevent and enforce laws against future illegal immigration.

Democratic leaders have demonstrated bad faith when it comes to immigration enforcement and protecting the interests of the American people. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer voted in favor of a border fence in 2006, but now vows to block funding for its construction. Just a week ago, Schumer, House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi and others rejected permanent status for DACA recipients in exchange for a package of enforcement measures.

The American people have been waiting decades for true immigration reform and enforcement. In the interim, many have lost jobs and seen their wages eroded, their children’s schools overwhelmed and their tax dollars redirected. Remedying those situations must be a prerequisite to addressing the status of DACA beneficiaries.

No promises were made to the people who have enjoyed temporary protection under DACA, therefore none will be broken if the Trump administration decided to end it. Obama was clear that it could be terminated by subsequent presidents. Promises made to the American people need to be honored with real action, not just more promises.