DACA – Still in the News and Still Alive!
Another Federal Court Judge made a decision at the end of April that gives another glimmer of hope for undocumented youth in America. As you probably know, the Trump Administration has tried to end the Obama program that gives temporary work permits to undocumented youth. This program was called the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals. The Trump administration announced an end to the program, and the lawsuits began.
The current status of DACA is that the program is allowed to continue for those youth who had already applied and been granted DACA prior to the termination by President Trump. Renewals are allowed, but no NEW applicants. This hurts many youth who are just turning 15 years of age. You have to be 15 years old, in order to apply. Every day, more youth would qualify, if they were able to apply. The new ruling by Judge Bates of the District of Columbia says that the termination of DACA was mishandled and the Judge gave the Trump Administration 90 days to respond.
After the 90 days, if the Trump Administration does not adequately respond, then it is possible that the Judge will order that new applications can be submitted. It is also possible that the Trump Administration will correctly terminate the DACA program, ending it for good. A better option would be for the Trump Administration and Congress to pass the real Dream Act and allow these youth to obtain legal status on a permanent basis, instead of a temporary limbo. Afterall, they have lived here for years, gone to school, worked, made a life here and paid into the system. Encourage Congress to give it to them! We can ALL Call Congress – take one small action to express an opinion on DACA and see if, united, we can get Congress to do something positive for our youth.
