U.S. President Donald Trump is phasing out a program for young immigrants to appease his base, yet again his action has sparked controversy in the American society.
The White House announced it would end a program whereby thousands of children of those who entered and lived in the United States illegally are shielded from deportation.
The measure has already sparked controversy, as some of these young people have fought in the U.S. military, excelled in school and contributed to the economy.
On Tuesday, Attorney General Jeff Sessions billed the measure an "unconstitutional exercise of authority by the executive branch," and called on Congress to seek an alternative way to protect the young people whose parents brought them into the United States illegally when they were minors.
The program, established by the previous administration, is known as the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, or the DACA, and experts said Trump's move is an effort to fulfill his vows to his base.
"Trump is ending the DACA program to re-enforce his anti-illegal immigrant stance," Brookings Institution Senior Fellow Darrell West told Xinhua.
"He campaigned on that policy and feels people who are here illegally have no right to be here, even if they now are law-abiding citizens," West said.
Indeed, Trump's move comes at a time when unemployment and under-employment among many working class Americans remain high. The billionaire businessman-turned politician campaigned on a promise to halt the massive tide of illegal migrants, as the United States already hosts millions of undocumented workers.
Many Trump supporters -- rightly or wrongly -- believe illegal immigration has driven down wages in industries such as construction, and has spurred unfair competition for employment.
Trump supporters also believe that allowing millions to live in the United States illegally amounts to chipping away the rule of law and the U.S. Constitution.
While Trump's base may approve of Trump's action, it will be sure to spark increasing controversy in the U.S. society, even in his own GOP.
"He doesn't care that many oppose his DACA viewpoint, including many members of his own party. He is not letting public opinion affect his decision," West said of Trump's thinking on the matter.
GOP SPLIT OVER TRUMP'S STANCE
"Trump ended the DACA program because it satisfied a concern among his base," Dan Mahaffee, senior vice president and director of policy at the Center for the Study of Congress and the Presidency, told Xinhua.
But Trump's stance may, going forward, split the GOP, with business leaders, GOP establishment figures and moderates on one side, and Trump's base on the other.
"Immigration is key to the American economy and its growth. At the same time, this decision drives a deeper wedge between Trump and his base on one side, and a wide range of moderate Republicans, corporate leaders, immigration activists, immigrant communities, and Democrats on the other side," Mahaffee said.
West said there will be a strong outcry from many different quarters.
"Many Republicans think what he is doing is wrong and will make the party look bad if young kids who serve in the military or hold productive jobs lose their current status and are not able to work," West said.
"There will be (media) interviews with DACA people who helped save lives in Houston (in the recent hurricane) and otherwise performed great service. Most Americans believe those who are gainfully employed should be able to stay here and keep working," West said.
Some experts believe that Congress will stand in Trump's way, and come up with an agreement to continue the previous policy, although it remains unknown when that might occur.
"There is a good chance Congress will come up with a bipartisan agreement to continue the DACA program. The business community will argue it needs these people for the workforce," West said.
