Processing Delays Leave DACA Recipients Jobless and Fearing Deportation
Recent processing delays at U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) are causing significant issues for recipients of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program. Many DACA recipients, who rely on work permits and legal protection under the program, are facing job losses and the threat of deportation as their permits expire. The delays have extended the median processing time for DACA renewals from under two months to approximately 3.5 months. This has left individuals like Maria Fernanda Madrigal, an immigration attorney, and other professionals in precarious situations, as they are unable to work legally without valid permits. The Trump administration's policies have been criticized for undermining DACA's protections, with recent actions including urging recipients to self-deport and making them ineligible for health insurance through Obamacare. Lawmakers and advocates are calling for expedited processing to prevent further hardships. 
