US: Chicago now a 'Trump-free zone'

Rahm Emmanuel, Chicago's mayor, has declared that the city is a 'Trump-free zone' following the US President Donald Trump's decision of ending protection for the children of undocumented immigrants known as "Dreamers".

The Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) was introduced by former president Barack Obama. The immigration policy was aimed at preventing nearly 800,000 people who came to the US as children from being deported.

Talking to the young DACA recipients at Chicago's Solorio Academy High School, Emmanuel had this to say, "To all the Dreamers that are here in this room and the city of Chicago: you are welcome in the city of Chicago. This is your home and you have nothing to worry about."

“Chicago, our schools, our neighborhoods, our city, as it relates to what President Trump said, will be a Trump-free zone. You have nothing to worry about. And I want you to know this, and I want your families to know this. And rest assured, I want you to come to school … and pursue your dreams,” he added.

Meanwhile, Trump on 7 September had assured all the immigrants covered by the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) programme that they have nothing to worry about as no action will be taken against them until it expires in March.

"For all of those (DACA) that are concerned about your status during the 6 month period, you have nothing to worry about - No action!" Trump tweeted.

Earlier on 7 September, as many as 15 US states along with the District of Columbia had filed a lawsuit in New York to block President Trump's plan to end the programme.