AP Photo/Alex Brandon
President Donald Trump looks at Finnish President Sauli Niinisto during a joint
The Trump administration's announcement Tuesday that it will end the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program has drawn swift backlash from lawmakers on both sides of the aisle.
Former President Barack Obama launched DACA through executive actions in 2012. The program shields nearly 800,000 young immigrants brought illegally to the US as minors from deportation.
Attorney General Jeff Sessions said in a press conference that the Trump administration will begin "an orderly and lawful wind-down" of the program.
"To have a lawful system of immigration that serves the national interest, we cannot admit everyone that wants to come here," Sessions said. "As Attorney General, it is my duty to ensure that the laws of the United States are enforced and that the constitutional order is upheld."
The announcement immediately sparked criticism from Democrats, Republicans, and business leaders.