Obama calls move ‘wrong’ and ‘cruel’

U.S. President Donald Trump’s repeal on Tuesday of a programme that provided amnesty to 8,00,000 people brought illegally to the U.S. triggered fierce condemnation from across the political spectrum.

Business leaders, unions, religious groups, Opposition Democrats and many within Mr. Trump’s own Republican party joined forces to criticise the phased end of protections for people who arrived in the United States under the age of 16.

‘A moral question’

The announcement also prompted ex-President Barack Obama to make a rare re-entry onto the political stage to decry the decision as “wrong”, “self-defeating” and “cruel”.

“Let’s be clear: the action taken today isn’t required legally. It’s a political decision, and a moral question,” Mr. Obama said.

The Mexican government, Mayors from across the U.S. and the Service Employees International Union were among those who issued statements of condemnation. Opponents also hinted that they may challenge the decision in the courts.