Statement by George Gresham, President of 1199SEIU United Healthcare Workers East, on ending of DACA

September 5, 2017

“President Donald Trump has made several destructive decisions during his nearly eight months in office. Few, however, are as cruel and damaging as the destruction of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA). This program has provided renewable, two-year work permits to undocumented immigrants who have lived in this country since they were children and often only know the United States as home. They’re called Dreamers, but President Trump has created a nightmare for these nearly 800,000 people, most of whom have made positive contributions to the U.S.

Destroying DACA serves no measurable purpose, and is opposed by the great majority of American people. The Trump Administration seems determined to tear apart the very fabric our country was built upon, along with every signature program President Obama spear-headed during his eight years in office. The 400,000 healthcare workers with 1199SEIU know full well the harm ending DACA will cause members of our own families. We stand with Governor Cuomo, Attorney General Schneiderman, Mayor de Blasio and all people of conscience in vowing to fight against this politically-driven action, which will rob our country of talent, break apart families and result only in hurt.”

- George Gresham, President of 1199SEIU