UPDATE: For the first time in four years, the federal government is set to begin processing new applications for the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program. This significant move offers hope to thousands of immigrants who were brought to the U.S. as children, granting them protection from deportation and the ability to obtain work permits.
The announcement comes after a prolonged nationwide injunction that halted the review of new DACA applications since 2021. The Biden administration’s shift indicates a willingness to reconsider new applications, potentially benefiting a new wave of “dreamers.” However, the final decision regarding a critical Texas case that prompted the injunction remains pending, which could impact the national landscape for DACA applicants.
Immigration attorney John Ayala highlighted the urgency of this development, stating, “A lot of these people who would be eligible for DACA have kind of hit a roadblock. This will allow them to pursue their goals that they studied for and worked so hard for.”
DACA, created during the Obama administration, has been a controversial yet crucial program, offering protections to immigrants who arrived in the United States before 2007. To qualify, applicants must demonstrate they entered the U.S. before turning 16, possess a high school diploma, and have no serious criminal record. Currently, over 500,000 immigrants are enrolled in DACA, but many have faced barriers due to the previous application freeze.
While the Texas judge’s decision is still forthcoming, there is potential for the injunction to be limited to that state. This development could open the door for applications to be accepted in other locations, such as California, where many eligible immigrants reside.
As the situation continues to evolve, officials encourage those who may qualify to prepare their applications, although no specific timeline has been established for the process to resume. The implications of this decision are immense, as it could reshape the future for countless individuals seeking opportunities in the U.S.
Stay tuned for further updates as this story develops, and share this news to inform others about this vital opportunity for aspiring DACA recipients.
