The Trump administration is taking steps to make it easier to deport immigrants protected by the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program. A recent ruling from the Board of Immigration Appeals (BIA) states that simply being a DACA recipient does not guarantee relief from deportation.
The BIA’s ruling came after a three-judge panel reviewed the case of Catalina “Xóchitl” Santiago. Santiago, who had active DACA status, faced deportation after being detained by Border Protection while boarding a flight. Though a federal judge released her, this decision puts her—and others like her—at greater risk.
This ruling does not mean Santiago will be deported immediately, but it signals a worrying trend. It weakens DACA protections for hundreds of thousands of Dreamers, individuals who came to the U.S. as children. Juliana Macedo do Nascimento from United We Dream, an advocacy group, stated, “This decision is yet another step in dismantling the program without the government taking responsibility for ending it outright.”
DACA, established in 2012, was designed to shield eligible immigrants from deportation. Currently, it helps protect about 500,000 people. However, since last year, officials have pushed for DACA recipients to consider self-deportation. Many are unaware that DACA offers only temporary protection and is not a pathway to permanent residency.
Statistics reveal that the BIA has become increasingly aligned with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). In 2022, it supported DHS in 97% of cases—significantly higher than the previous 16-year average. This shift has made it harder for immigrants to gain release from detention and allowed for more deportations to countries other than their own.
Experts emphasize the urgency of this issue. Immigration attorney Sara Gonzalez explains, “These decisions create a chilling effect. Many recipients may choose not to pursue their rights out of fear.”
This evolving landscape of immigration law has significant implications for countless families. The social media response has been one of outrage, with hashtags like #DACA and #Dreamers trending as advocates call for change. As the debate continues, many are left wondering: what does the future hold for Dreamers in America?
For more details on the DACA program, visit the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services website.
