Rep. Chris Collins, R-N.Y., said he believes the U.S. is "better than blaming" Deferred Action for Childhood Arrival recipients for their parents bringing them here.
Collins made his comments during an interview Thursday on CNN's "New Day."
And he also made clear that he supports "dreamers" and even backs a pathway for citizenship for those brought to the U.S. illegally as children.
"I believe we're better than that," he said when asked about those advocating a tougher position on the DACA recipients. "We are a compassionate country."
"I know, I come from a big dairy area, and also add where the undocumented workers — that's what I call them, I don't want to call them illegal immigrants, I prefer the term undocumented workers — are working hard. They've been there in some cases for well over ten years, raising their families. We need to recognize that."
Attorney General Jeff Sessions announced the Trump administration would end DACA, but give Congress six months to come up with a legislative solution, The Hill noted.