A federal judge has again declared illegal a new version of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program, which prevents deportation of thousands of immigrants brought to the U.S. as children.
The judge, Andrew Hanen of the Southern District of Texas, ruled on September 13, 2023, that the Biden administration’s version of DACA is unlawful because it was not properly implemented. This is the second time Hanen has blocked DACA; he also ruled against the Obama administration’s version of the program in 2014.
DACA was created in 2012 by the Obama administration to provide temporary relief from deportation and a work permit to eligible undocumented immigrants who were brought to the U.S. as children. The program has been the subject of numerous legal challenges, and its future has been uncertain since President Trump attempted to end DACA in 2017.
The ruling is a setback for the Biden administration, which has pledged to protect DACA recipients. It is also a blow to the millions of Dreamers, as DACA recipients are known, who have built lives in the United States and contribute to their communities.
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) will continue to accept and process DACA renewal requests and accompanying applications for employment authorization as it has since October 31, 2022 and will continue to accept but not process initial DACA requests.
The recent ruling declaring DACA illegal does not mean that DACA recipients can be deported immediately. The Biden administration has said that it will appeal the ruling, and the case is likely to end up before the Supreme Court. In the meantime, DACA recipients will continue to be able to renew their status and work permits. It is important to note that the ruling does not immediately impact DACA recipients. The Biden administration is expected to appeal the ruling, and the case is likely to end up before the Supreme Court.
It is important to note that the majority of DACA recipients were brought to the United States as children and have grown up here. They work, pay taxes, and go to school. They are Americans in everything but their immigration status.
In the meantime, DACA recipients will continue to be able to renew their status and work permits.
If you are a DACA recipient, it is important to stay informed about the latest developments in the case. You should also consult with an immigration attorney to discuss your options.
If you’re concerned about your DACA status and the threat of deportation, it’s important to discuss your situation with a skilled and experienced Oakbrook DACA deportation defense lawyer today. To discuss your case with a qualified attorney, contact us today for more information. An attorney can sit with you and thoroughly assess your case so you can confidently take your next steps.
Call us today at 630-345-4164.
