In a significant development, the U.S. government has announced new actions regarding the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program, affecting hundreds of thousands of immigrants. Here’s what you need to know:
Court Ruling Shakes Up DACA
On September 13, 2023, the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas declared the DACA Final Rule unlawful. This decision expands the original July 16, 2021 injunction, impacting many DACA recipients. However, the court has allowed current DACA recipients to maintain their status until their permits expire.
White House Steps In
In response to the court ruling, the White House has announced new measures to support DACA recipients and their families. These actions aim to provide more stability and opportunities for those affected by the program.
New Opportunities for DACA Recipients
The new measures include:
- Work Visas: DACA recipients who have earned a degree from an accredited U.S. university and have a job offer in their field can now receive work visas more quickly.
- Permanent Residency: Noncitizen spouses and children of U.S. citizens can apply for permanent residency without leaving the country2. This move is expected to protect around half a million spouses and 50,000 children under 21.
What This Means for DACA Recipients
For the nearly 600,000 immigrants brought to the U.S. as children, DACA provides work permits, Social Security numbers, and financial aid for education. The new measures will help these individuals continue their lives in the U.S. with more security and opportunities.
Future of DACA
The Biden administration is preparing for potential court challenges and is expected to take executive action to protect DACA recipients. The administration’s goal is to ensure that Dreamers, as they are often called, can continue to live and work in the U.S. without fear of deportation.
Support and Resources
For those affected by these changes, resources are available to help navigate the new processes. Organizations and universities are providing support to ensure that DACA recipients and their families have the information and assistance they need.
Stay tuned for more updates as the situation develops. The future of DACA remains uncertain, but these new measures offer hope and stability for many.