Exciting Update: Federal Government Set to Reopen DACA Applications!

McALLEN, Texas — Good news might be on the horizon for many seeking to live and work in the U.S. The federal government plans to reopen applications for the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program, which allows certain individuals without legal status to stay in the country.

Lawyers for both the government and immigrant advocates recently discussed this plan in court. If approved, it could mean new opportunities for those eligible under DACA, especially since it has been four years since new applications were accepted. A judge still needs to approve the plan, but experts believe it could benefit hundreds of thousands.

DACA, launched during the Obama administration, offers temporary protection from deportation for individuals brought to the U.S. as children. It provides renewable two-year permits to work legally. However, it doesn’t grant permanent legal status. To qualify, applicants must have arrived in the U.S. before the age of 16, be under 31 as of June 15, 2012, and have a clean legal record.

A critical twist is that residents of Texas, where this legal action is happening, might not be eligible for work permits even if they qualify for DACA. Texas filed a lawsuit against the program in 2018, which could restrict opportunities for its residents.

Currently, the Department of Justice (DOJ) is proposing that U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) accept applications nationwide, though those in Texas will face additional limitations. A recent proposal also suggests giving Texas residents an extension for their work permits for one more renewal cycle, should the judge agree.

Immigrant advocates are optimistic yet cautious. Although over 533,000 people are already enrolled in DACA, about 1.1 million remain eligible across the nation, according to a 2023 estimate by the Migration Policy Institute. As the date for the judge’s decision approaches, advocates are urging those interested to prepare their application documents.

Experts emphasize the importance of looking beyond this case to consider broader immigration policies. Recent reports indicate that many DACA recipients face deportation under current administration practices. Advocacy groups, like United We Dream, highlight the need for long-term solutions rather than temporary fixes.

In short, while hope is building for a new wave of applicants, individuals and families must stay informed and ready as the process unfolds.

For further information, you can check out resources from the Migration Policy Institute.

Source link