The move sets a clock for Congress to act to preserve the program's protections before the DACA recipients begin losing their status March 5, 2018.

"I am here today to announce that the program known as DACA that was effectuated under the Obama Administration is being rescinded." Attorney General Jeff Sessions said at a Justice Department news conference. "This does not mean they are bad people or that our nation disrespects or demeans them in any way. It means we are properly enforcing our laws as Congress has passed them." 

For Rescission

Attorney General Jeff Sessions:
"The DACA program was implemented in 2012 and essentially provided a legal status for recipients for a renewable two-year term, work authorization and other benefits, including participation in the social security program, to 800,000 mostly-adult illegal aliens. This policy was implemented unilaterally to great controversy and legal concern after Congress rejected legislative proposals to extend similar benefits on numerous occasions to this same group of illegal aliens. In other words, the executive branch, through DACA, deliberately sought to achieve what the legislative branch specifically refused to authorize on multiple occasions. Such an open-ended circumvention of immigration laws was an unconstitutional exercise of authority by the Executive Branch."

Against Rescission

Rep. Steny Hoyer (D-MD):
"This announcement, which in spite of its consequence President Trump chose not to make himself, signals a dark day in our nation's history. We ought not turn our backs on our values - or on our fellow Americans, who are truly so because this country is their home. With this announcement, it falls to Congress to take swift action and pass the DREAM Act, which would enable DREAMers to remain here with their families and communities and contribute to building, strengthening, and serving the nation they love. This issue ought to transcend party, and it challenges us to do right by our history and our future."