What's Happening?
The federal government is poised to resume accepting new applications for the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program, following a legal proposal presented by Department of Justice attorneys. This development comes as part of an ongoing lawsuit in Texas, where U.S. District Judge Andrew S. Hanen is overseeing the case. The proposal would allow U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to process new and renewal applications nationwide, marking the first time in four years that new applications could be accepted. However, in Texas, while applications can be submitted, recipients will not receive work permits due to a carveout upheld by the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals. The DACA program, established during the Obama administration, provides temporary protection from deportation and work permits to individuals brought to the U.S. as children, though it does not grant legal status.
Why It's Important?
The resumption of new DACA applications could significantly impact hundreds of thousands of individuals who are eligible for the program but have been unable to apply due to previous legal restrictions. This move could provide temporary relief and work opportunities to many undocumented immigrants who arrived in the U.S. as children. However, the exclusion of work permits for Texas residents highlights ongoing legal and political challenges surrounding immigration policy. The decision could influence future immigration debates and policies, affecting both the lives of potential DACA recipients and broader U.S. immigration reform efforts. The legal proceedings and outcomes in Texas may set precedents for how similar cases are handled in the future.
What's Next?
The federal government and attorneys for DACA recipients have additional opportunities in October to respond to the proposals. Judge Hanen will then decide on the implementation of these proposals. Immigrant advocates are urging eligible individuals to prepare necessary documentation in anticipation of the program's reopening. The outcome of this case could lead to further legal challenges or adjustments to the DACA program, depending on the court's final decision. Stakeholders, including immigrant advocacy groups and policymakers, will be closely monitoring the situation to assess its implications for immigration policy and the affected communities.
