As protests continue across the United States in response to President Donald Trump’s immigration policies and increased ICE enforcement actions, former President Barack Obama spoke out on social media, reflecting on the ongoing debate.
In his message, Obama brought attention to the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program, which began under his administration in 2012. He described it as a demonstration of how the country can uphold both its immigrant heritage and its legal framework. He expressed concern for families with similar backgrounds who are currently being vilified, despite simply wanting to live peacefully, work, and contribute to their communities.
He emphasized that any effort to repair the nation’s immigration system must be rooted in empathy and respect. According to Obama, treating people with dignity is not only a moral imperative but a necessary foundation for real and lasting reform.
DACA protects certain undocumented immigrants who were brought to the U.S. as children, offering them temporary protection from deportation and work authorization, typically renewed every two years. Many of these individuals, often referred to as Dreamers, have spent the vast majority of their lives in the U.S., with an average arrival age of six and a residency of around two decades.
Over 800,000 people have benefited from the program, building lives and families in the U.S., with many now parenting children who are American citizens. Though the Trump administration has pursued legal efforts to end DACA, the policy remains in place for existing recipients.
Recently, lawmakers introduced the American Dream and Promise Act of 2025, a legislative proposal designed to offer long-term protections to Dreamers. The act would provide conditional permanent residency for ten years, halt removal proceedings for eligible individuals, and create a pathway to full lawful permanent residency and eventual citizenship.
Obama’s message echoed a broader call for immigration reform that balances enforcement with compassion, urging Americans to work toward a system that reflects shared values and mutual respect.
