In a recent development that has sent shockwaves through the immigrant community, a federal judge in Texas has once again ruled the latest version of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program illegal. The ruling came in response to a lawsuit by nine states, including Texas, which argued that the Obama administration had overstepped its constitutional authority in creating DACA by bypassing Congress. In 2021, Hanen had declared the program illegal because it did not comply with public notice and comment periods that were required. Now, it was deemed illegal as the new version intended to correct these deficiencies was essentially the same as the old version.
This ruling is nothing short of devastating news for the 578,680 individuals enrolled in the DACA program. DACA, which provides deportation protection and work authorizations to individuals brought to the U.S. as children, is a lifeline for these young people who have grown up in America. While the program remains intact for existing recipients during the appeal process, the U.S. government is now barred from approving and processing new applications.
The lives of current DACA recipients hang in the balance as this case is expected to make its way to the Supreme Court. In 2020, the high court allowed DACA to remain in place as it was improperly ended by the Trump administration. DACA recipients have consistently demonstrated their dedication and contributions to our country, and they deserve the opportunity to live and work in the United States without the constant fear of deportation.
Now, more than ever, a permanent solution is needed to protect the lives of hundreds of thousands of hardworking individuals plagued with fear and uncertainty. Immigrants' List, along with countless advocates, calls on Congress to act immediately to preserve the DACA program and grant permanent residency to Dreamers.
Your Voice Matters and You Can Make a Difference! Here's how:
Contact Your Representatives: Call, email, or write to your congressional representatives and urge them to enact legislation granting permanent legal status to the estimated 600,000 Dreamers in the United States.
Advocate for Change: Join advocacy groups and organizations committed to preserving DACA and advocating for a fair and just immigration system.
Stay Informed: Keep yourself informed about developments in DACA and immigration policy to be an effective advocate for change.
The DACA program has been a beacon of hope for Dreamers, allowing them to pursue education, employment, and a future in their home country. We must come together as a community to protect their dreams and aspirations.
In these uncertain times, preserving your DACA benefits are crucial. Therefore, if you have less than six months of DACA validity left, please consider renewing now just to be safe. Also, if you have not considered applying for permission to travel on DACA Advance Parole for humanitarian, education or employment purposes, please consider doing so as it will give you a lawful entry that may benefit you in the future with or without the DACA program.
Don't wait; act today to protect your future and preserve your benefits.
Let's stand united and advocate for a brighter, more secure future for all Dreamers. #ProtectDACA #Dreamers #ImmigrationReform