Federal Judge Again Rules DACA Program Is Illegal

Federal Judge Again Rules DACA Program Is Illegal: The Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program, which protects certain young people brought to the United States illegally as children from deportation, has been embroiled in legal challenges since its inception in 2012. On September 13, 2023, a federal judge in Texas again ruled the program unlawful, rejecting a revised version of the policy that had been put in place by the Biden administration.

Federal Judge Again Rules DACA Program Is Illegal:

Current News

Judge Andrew Hanen of the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas ruled that the Biden administration’s recent efforts to preserve and codify DACA into a federal regulation were illegal. Hanen, who has ruled against DACA before, said in his ruling that the program would be allowed to continue, for now, but that new applicants would still be barred from applying.

The Biden administration has already stated that it will appeal Hanen’s ruling. If the case reaches the U.S. Supreme Court, it could have a major impact on the future of DACA and the lives of the hundreds of thousands of young people who rely on the program.

Impact on DACA Beneficiaries

The ruling does not immediately affect current DACA beneficiaries, who can continue to renew their work permits and deportation protections. However, the ruling does cast a shadow over the future of the program, and it is possible that the Supreme Court could eventually strike it down altogether.

This would be a devastating blow to the hundreds of thousands of young people who have come to rely on DACA to build their lives in the United States. DACA recipients have gone on to college, started businesses, and become productive members of society. Many of them are now parents and homeowners.

Impact on the U.S. Economy

DACA recipients also play an important role in the U.S. economy. They contribute billions of dollars in taxes each year and support millions of jobs. A study by the Center for American Progress found that DACA recipients contribute an estimated $116 billion to the U.S. economy each year.

What’s Next?

It is unclear what will happen to DACA in the months and years to come. The Biden administration has vowed to appeal Hanen’s ruling, and the case could eventually reach the U.S. Supreme Court. However, even if the Supreme Court upholds the ruling, Congress could still pass legislation to protect DACA recipients.

In the meantime, DACA beneficiaries are facing uncertainty about their future. Many are worried about whether they will be able to stay in the United States and continue to build their lives here.

What DACA Beneficiaries Can Do

If you are a DACA beneficiary, there are a few things you can do to protect yourself and your family:

• Renew your work permit and deportation protection as soon as possible. This will give you more time to fight for your right to stay in the United States.
• Stay informed about the latest news and developments related to DACA. There are a number of organizations that are working to protect DACA and its beneficiaries. You can stay informed by following these organizations on social media and signing up for their email lists.
• Get involved in the fight to protect DACA. There are a number of ways to get involved, such as writing to your elected officials, attending protests, and donating to organizations that are working to protect DACA.

DACA beneficiaries are facing a difficult time, but they are not alone. There are a number of people and organizations who are fighting for their right to stay in the United States and build their lives here.

Legal Challenges Facing DACA

DACA has been challenged in court several times since it was first implemented in 2012. In 2017, the Trump administration announced that it would be ending DACA. However, a federal judge blocked the administration from ending the program, and it remains in effect today.

The Biden administration has taken steps to protect DACA, but the program remains vulnerable to legal challenges. In September 2023, a federal judge in Texas ruled that the Biden administration’s recent efforts to preserve and codify DACA into a federal regulation were illegal.

The Biden administration has appealed the ruling, and the case could eventually reach the U.S. Supreme Court. If the Supreme Court strikes down DACA, it would be a devastating blow to the hundreds of thousands of young people who rely on the program.

Conclusion

The future of DACA is uncertain, but DACA beneficiaries can take steps to protect themselves and their families. By renewing their work permits and deportation protection, staying informed, and getting involved in the fight to protect DACA, DACA beneficiaries can make their voices heard and ensure that their rights are protected.

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