The Mexican government on Tuesday expressed its “deep regret” following the White House’s decision to end the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program that has shielded young people living in the state illegally from deportation.
The government said it could not ignore the Trump administration’s decision, given that the vast majority of the estimated DACA recipients are Mexican nationals who were taken as minors to the U.S. by their parents. Almost 80 percent of the roughly 800,000 recipients are of Mexican origin.
“The Mexican government deeply regrets the decision ending the DACA program,” the foreign relations ministry said in a statement. “It expresses its deep concern for the uncertainty that thousands of young people born in Mexico will face.”
Mexican officials said they would welcome immigrants deciding to return to Mexico and that they would offer help to those remaining in the U.S.
“We will welcome these young dreamers with open arms,” said Carlos Sada, foreign relations undersecretary for North America, during a press conference.
For anyone who wishes to return to Mexico, the government will have a special job bank, loan program and help transferring school credit, Sada said. And for those who stay in the U.S., Sada said, the country will double down on consular services specifically tailored to them.
