Today President Trump announced the end of Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA), a program that has temporarily protected the children of undocumented immigrants from deportation. The National Association of Evangelicals (NAE) calls on Congress to promptly pass legislation that permanently protects these individuals and allows them to fully integrate into American life.

“Americans may have a variety of views on the broader questions of immigration policy, but most agree that those who were brought to this country as children — and who have grown up here — should not be punished for the actions of their parents,” said Leith Anderson, NAE president. “Many of these young people are already deeply integrated into our churches and communities, and most know no other country than the United States.”

The NAE has long called for a comprehensive reform of our broken immigration system. Protecting the children of immigrants is an important aspect of this overhaul.

“It is the smart thing to do, and it is the right thing to do,” Anderson said. “We pledge our prayers and support to House Speaker Ryan and Senate Leader McConnell as they build consensus on legislation that can pass the Congress and be signed by President Trump.”