The hopes of being protected from deportation are still alive for thousands of Dreamers. But, the program that protects them—the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA)—remains on life support.
President Trump effectively ended DACA in September 2017, but lawsuits opposing the move were swiftly filed. Federal court judges in Washington, D.C., New York and California issued a preliminary injunction to block the president’s action.
Now,the U.S. Supreme Court will weigh in on Trump’s decision to end DACA. The high court will hear oral arguments on November 12 over the program created in 2012 by then-President Barack Obama. DACA targets immigrants who were under 16 years old when they were brought illegally into the United States. DACA makes undocumented young adults low priority for deportation.
DACA Recipients Can Renew Applications
While the case is pending in court, theU.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is accepting renewal applications from DACA recipients. But, the USCIS will not accept first-time DACA applications or parole requests from DACA recipients.
Dream Act Has Yet to Become Law
The citizenship dreams of thousands of young immigrants have been put on hold for nearly two decades. The Development, Relief, and Education for Alien Minors (DREAM) Act bill was first introduced in 2001 as a way to grant residency status for undocumented young people, who later received the nickname of “Dreamers.”
The House of Representatives and Senate have consistently failed to pass the Dream Act. However, in June, the House passed the“American Dream and Promise Act of 2019.” The bill, now pending in the Senate, allows qualified DACA recipients, eligible nationals with Temporary Protected Status, and Liberians in American living under the Deferred Enforced Department program, to acquire permanent residency.
Have Questions on Immigration or Your Immigration Status?
If you are a Dreamer or an undocumented individual concerned about an immigration issue, do not put yourself in jeopardy, talk to an immigration lawyer today atManey | Gordon | Zeller, P.A. The legal team at our nationwide law firm helps our clients’ dream of American citizenship come true.
Call (800) 708-4399 today for more information about scheduling a free case evaluation.
