The Omaha City Council is weighing in on DACA. At Tuesday's meeting the council approved a resolution urging Congress to take action to protect children who were brought to the U.S. without proper immigration status.
The measure was passed 5-0, with members Amy Melton and Brinker Harding abstaining from the vote. The resolution was presented to the council by member Vinny Palermo, who represents South Omaha.
Supporters of DACA, like Palermo, say the "Dreamers" should be protected from deportation because they are important parts of our society. "If history has shown us anything, it's shown us there's a time to stand up and a time to speak out and that time is now to be on the right side of history."
Councilman Chris Jerram agreed with Palermo saying the resolution shows Congress that Omaha believes this is an important issue. "I don't want to miss this moment."
Opponents of DACA told the council that protecting American citizens should be their biggest priority.
Councilwoman Melton says the City Council is no place to address the issue. "Should we now issue a resolution on North Korea? Tax reform? I am not going to start addressing federal issues on the City Council floor."
Nebraska Congressman Don Bacon has thrown his support behind the resolution saying he's committed to protecting law-abiding DACA youth.
President Trump has ordered an end to DACA unless Congress takes swift action to protect the program.