Back in 2010, Obama remarked that ignoring the laws and suspending deportation of illegal immigrants might lead to a surge in illegal immigration.
For example, there are those in the immigrants’ rights community who have argued passionately that we should simply provide those who are [here] illegally with legal status, or at least ignore the laws on the books and put an end to deportation until we have better laws. And often this argument is framed in moral terms: Why should we punish people who are just trying to earn a living?
I recognize the sense of compassion that drives this argument, but I believe such an indiscriminate approach would be both unwise and unfair. It would suggest to those thinking about coming here illegally that there will be no repercussions for such a decision. And this could lead to a surge in more illegal immigration. And it would also ignore the millions of people around the world who are waiting in line to come here legally.
Then in June 2012, Obama announced the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA). The DACA went into effect in August.
Has there been a surge in illegal immigration since implementing the DACA?