The Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) was a U.S. immigration policy allowing some people to receive a renewable 2-year period of deferred action from deportation if they entered the country as minors. As of this year, around 800,000 individuals were enrolled in the program created by DACA.
In September of 2017, the current administration created turmoil for 800,000 DACA recipients when it abruptly ended the program and prevented any more immigrant minors from being allowed to extend the protection from deportation afforded to them under this program after October 5th. Renewal applications poured in to meet the arbitrary and short deadline, but even applicants who timely filed had to struggle through a lawsuit to have their erroneously rejected applications accepted. Until a few days ago, all DACA-protected individuals were going to start losing their work permits once they expired as DHS was instructed not to accept any more renewal applications after October 5, 2017. But, in a recent turn of events, the Ninth Circuit just this week issued a temporary injunction ordering DHS to accept renewals, but not new applications.
On December 5, 2017 nearly 200 protesters were arrested on Wednesday on the steps of the U.S. Capitol after thousands gathered to demand the reinstatement of DACA protection for undocumented children and workers whose permits are being revoked. Many protesters also called attention to other administration policies that discriminate against immigrants and refugees. Two of those arrested include County Council President Hans Reimer and State Delegate Ana Sol Gutiérrez, both lawmakers from Montgomery County in Maryland.
The protest was one of the efforts to get U.S. lawmakers to find a way to replace DACA. In the House and Senate, at least 4 pieces of legislation have been proposed that could protect people in this situation from deportation and allow them to remain in the country permanently, but lawmakers continue to argue over tactics and substance. Most recently, the current administration met with top lawmakers to try to broker a deal that will save DACA, but will also include an end to the Diversity Visa and slashed family-based visas, which is garnering stiff pushback from rank-and-file legislators. The “Dreamers” fate is still very much up in the air as legislators struggle to pass legislation that will ultimately require the President’s signature in order to become law. We are all holding our breath to see how this drama will ultimately play out.
If you think you might be affected by the turmoil surrounding DACA, don’t hesitate to call our skilled Dallas immigration attorneys as soon as possible. Akula & Associates, P.C. have more than 30+ years of legal experience dealing with complex immigration issues. Our lawyers are committed to excellence and a team-based approach that produces excellent results. Let us see what we can do for you.
Contact us at (844) 299-5003 or fill out our online form to schedule a case consultation with us today.