President Donald Trump says he has a "great love" for the young immigrants protected by the DACA program.
Speaking before a meeting with administration officials and congressional leaders Tuesday, Trump says he has a "great heart" for the young people. He says he hopes "Congress will be able to help them and do it properly."
RELATED: FACT CHECK: What the Trump administration said about DACA
The Trump administration announced Tuesday it's phasing out the program and leaving it to Congress to come up with an alternative. The program has provided nearly 800,000 young immigrants a reprieve from deportation.
Trump says he has spoken with members of Congress who "want to be able to do something and do it right." He adds that he thinks "long-term, it's going to be the right solution."
REACTION FROM ARIZONA LEADERS:
To target hopeful young strivers who grew up here is wrong, because they’ve done nothing wrong. My statement: https://t.co/TCxZdld7L4
— Barack Obama (@BarackObama) September 5, 2017
Congress, get ready to do your job - DACA!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) September 5, 2017
NEW: Statement from @ASU President Michael Crow regarding DACA announcement from the Trump administration. #abc15 pic.twitter.com/1rjVVOhUXD
— ABC15 Arizona (@abc15) September 6, 2017
.@POTUS's decision on #DACA is wrong approach at a time when both sides need to compromise on #immigration reform https://t.co/kPBCUhJ2m4 pic.twitter.com/5stY5spxOC
— John McCain (@SenJohnMcCain) September 5, 2017
The ball is back in Congress’ court where it belongs, and there are a lot of innocent kids counting on Congress to do its job. 3/5
— Jeff Flake (@JeffFlake) September 5, 2017
Congress must act immediately to pass permanent, stand-alone legislation to lawfully ensure that children who were brought here... 4/5
— Jeff Flake (@JeffFlake) September 5, 2017
...by their parents, through no fault of their own, are able to stay and finish their education and continue to contribute to society. 5/5
— Jeff Flake (@JeffFlake) September 5, 2017
The #DACA program must be protected! I am committed to a permanent/humane approach for our DREAMers. https://t.co/YUgwKcjf5c
— Raul M. Grijalva (@RepRaulGrijalva) September 5, 2017
Trump is utterly unable to control his impulse to indulge the most hateful elements of our society - Charlottesville, Arpaio & now DACA. 3/
— Ruben Gallego (@RepRubenGallego) September 5, 2017
Knowingly inflicting pain on others for personal or political gain is the worst sin an American leader can commit. 4/
— Ruben Gallego (@RepRubenGallego) September 5, 2017
The question now: will Republicans work w/ Dems to protect Dreamers, or provide Trump w political cover & grant more $ to deport them? 5/
— Ruben Gallego (@RepRubenGallego) September 5, 2017
I'm disappointed that @POTUS is unable to see the good #DACA has done for the lives of DREAMers & our economy. #AZ01 https://t.co/gr8g1cQlD8
— Rep. Tom O'Halleran (@RepOHalleran) September 5, 2017
Why? 1) Congress is responsible for addressing DACA, not the President & 2) It would be wrong to go back on our word https://t.co/Ftc1sR99ZB
— Martha McSally (@RepMcSally) September 1, 2017
I agree with @POTUS that it's time to get rid of #DACA!
— Rep. Paul Gosar, DDS (@RepGosar) September 5, 2017
DREAMers make our city and country stronger. Their fight is our fight. They are being used as political pawns by Trump. That's just wrong.
— Greg Stanton (@MayorStanton) September 5, 2017