Democratic National Committee Chairman Tom Perez Thomas Edward PerezClinton’s top five vice presidential picks Government social programs: Triumph of hope over evidence Labor’s 'wasteful spending and mismanagement” at Workers’ Comp MORE blasted President Trump Donald John TrumpHR McMaster says president's policy to withdraw troops from Afghanistan is 'unwise' Cast of 'Parks and Rec' reunite for virtual town hall to address Wisconsin voters Biden says Trump should step down over coronavirus response MORE’s decision to end the protected status of more than 200,000 immigrants from El Salvador, calling it “cruel and heartless.”

“This is a cruel and heartless decision by a cruel and heartless president. By targeting those who were driven from their homes by environmental catastrophe and violence in El Salvador, Donald Trump is tearing more working families apart — putting their lives at risk, threatening our economy, and turning his back on the values that have made America great,” Perez said.

The statement from the DNC chair comes after the Trump administration on Monday ended the Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for the immigrants, which will force them to acquire a new legal status in the U.S. or depart the country by September 2019.

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The decision comes as Trump moves to enforce stricter TPS policies, part of his effort to crackdown on immigration promised during his presidential campaign.

“America is great when we respond to humanitarian crises by helping those in need, not banishing them from our borders,” Perez said.

“Democrats believe that diversity and compassion are our country’s greatest strengths, and we will continue to fight for the courageous immigrant families who make our country better every day.”