Hollywood reacts to Trump admin repeal of DACA, policy that protects undocumented youth
Images: Facebook/@johnlegend, @demilovato, @kimkardashian, @johnmayer
Hollywood celebrities have been vocal on the Trump administration’s repeal of the Deferred Action for Children Arrivals (DACA) program, which could see 800,000 undocumented immigrants deported from the United States.
The program enacted by the Obama administration allowed immigrants nicknamed as “Dreamers” who arrived on American shores as children to study and work without fear of being being deported.
Former president Barack Obama’s statement on the policy has received overwhelming support with one million likes on Facebook:
Following President Donald Trump’s announcement to cease the program, celebrities of various backgrounds—musicians, actors, comedians—have expressed their opinions online.
Singer John Legend talked about how those under DACA were more than “illegal aliens”:
Quit calling human beings “illegal aliens”. They’re people. They’re our friends, neighbors and co-workers. They’re dreamers & lovers
— John Legend (@johnlegend) September 5, 2017
Late-night host Stephen Colbert basically said “make America great again” (MAGA, for short) by removing immigrants is dumb:
Repealing DACA in order to MAGA is a load of CACA.
— Stephen Colbert (@StephenAtHome) September 6, 2017
Comedian Cristela Alonzo got serious about how ending DACA was targeted towards minorities:
Melania worked in this country as an undocumented immigrant but her skin color makes hypocrites forgive that. #DACA
— Cristela Alonzo (@cristela9) September 5, 2017
Director Ava DuVernay called the repeal a “disgusting display of prejudice”:
“Adult illegal aliens.” Just a disgusting display of prejudice, ignorance and heartlessness. But exactly what’s expected of these cowards. https://t.co/zfYrS7uizb
— Ava DuVernay (@ava) September 5, 2017
Reality star Kim Kardashian was straight and simple about where she stands:
I stand with the Dreamers…
— Kim Kardashian West (@KimKardashian) September 6, 2017
Singer-songwriter John Mayer hopes no one would compare to Trump when he has kids:
I hope that by the time I have to explain Trump to my kids, they’ll never have a frame of reference to understand how bad he really was.
— John Mayer (@JohnMayer) September 5, 2017
Actress America Ferrera voiced her support:
Dreamers- you have led your own movement from the start w/ courage, dignity & beauty. I feel privileged to follow & stand w/you #HereToStay
— America Ferrera (@AmericaFerrera) September 5, 2017
Broadway composer and actor Lin-Manuel Miranda called on Congress to make a new law after what “the Bad Man” did:
Okay. The Bad Man continues to do bad.
Your move, Congress.#DefendDREAMers #DREAMAct #LetsGo— Lin-Manuel Miranda (@Lin_Manuel) September 5, 2017
Music icon Cher has offered her home to Dreamers:
Those Who Can Must Take a DREAMER In2 Their Home & Protect Them‼️I’m Ready 2 Do This & 🙏🏻Others in MY BUSINESS WILL DO THE SAME‼️SANCTUARY
— Cher (@cher) September 5, 2017
Musicians who want to keep the DACA program made a united stand through a Spotify playlist:
On No Moment for Silence, artists speak to those heartbroken by the DACA announcement. Listen now: https://t.co/Aix3ZEeUON @fwd_us pic.twitter.com/ktw9ST69uA
— Spotify (@Spotify) September 5, 2017
Artists with recorded statements include Jared Leto, Demi Lovato, Khalid and Camila Cabello.
The U.S. Congress has been given six months to file a legal alternative that would protect these immigrants. JB
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