In 2017, President Trump took action to end Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA). After years of legal battles, the Supreme Court of the United States finally weighed in on the matter in June— saving DACA by ruling that the Administration violated the Administrative Procedure Act (APA) when it moved to unilaterally terminate the program.
According to a recent report from Spectrum News 1, thousands of young people in California are still living in fear that they will face deportation. As important as the Supreme Court’s decision was, it neither offers a full or long-term solution. Here, our DACA attorney explains what you need to know about where the law currently stands.
The Trump Administration Continues to Undermine DACA Protections
Many vulnerable immigrants rightfully celebrated the Supreme Court’s 5-4 decision to save the DACA program. Unfortunately, for far too many of them, the joy was short-lived. On July 28th, 2020, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) issued a new policy that essentially barred first-time applicants from applying for DACA protections and put additional restrictions on renewals.
An estimate cited in the Spectrum News 1 report notes that nearly 400,000 Californians have had their rights or options under DACA limited by the new rules. The Wall Street Journal reports that the agency has finally started processing renewals again early this week. Yet, the overriding lesson is clear: The Trump Administration will continue to undermine DACA. The current state is simply untenable.
A Permanent Solution is Needed—We Should Pass the Dream Act
The Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program was never intended to be a final solution. Instead, it was designed to serve as a much needed bridge while Congress worked out the details of the Dream Act or some other form of permanent legislation.
Unfortunately, lawmakers have consistently failed to find an answer. Many Republican legislators have thwarted any progress on the issue. There is a real lack of stability in the system. A permanent legislative solution is the only viable answer. Through the Dream Act, our country can help to fulfill the promises that it made long ago.
With the 2020 presidential election less than two months away, Americans have an opportunity to make their voices heard. While there are many important issues, we can center immigrant rights as a key part of federal, state, and local elections. Political leaders should support the Dream Act and true, permanent protections for vulnerable immigrants.
Call Our DACA Lawyers for Immediate Guidance and Support
At Goldstein Immigration Lawyers, our immigration lawyers have the skills, training, and legal experience to handle all types of DACA cases. Our mission is to represent clients with integrity and compassion. We are ready to help you find a solution. Call us now for a completely private, no commitment consultation. We handle DACA cases in Los Angeles, Southern California, and beyond.
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