What is the Latest DACA Update?
The future of the DACA program is unclear after a Texas judge called for the Biden administration to stop accepting DACA applicants. Continue reading to discover the latest DACA update.
What is DACA?
Deferred Actions for Childhood Arrivals, or DACA, is a policy that protects young people who entered the United States unlawfully. These individuals are known as DREAMers. The policy protects DREAMers by allowing them to apply for a driver’s license, social security number, and work permit. However, the program does not grant them legal status nor a route to citizenship.
Major DACA requirements for applicants include the following:
- Applicants must have entered the United States unlawfully prior to their 16th birthday
- They must have lived continuously in the United States since June 15, 2007
- Born on June 16, 1981, or after
- Were physically present in the United States on June 15, 2012, and at the time of making their request for consideration of deferred action with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)
- Applications must have had no lawful status on June 15, 2012
- They must have completed high school or a GED, have been honorably discharged from the armed forces, or are enrolled in school
- They must not have been convicted of a felony or a serious misdemeanor, or three or more other misdemeanors, and do not otherwise pose a threat to national security or public safety
What is the History of DACA?
To refresh your memory on the history of DACA, follow the brief timeline of the program as seen below:
- June 12th, 2012
- Certain individuals who came to the United States as children could request consideration of deferred action for a period of two years as long as they met certain criteria
- November 20th, 2014
- The Obama Administration expanded DACA by eliminating the age cap and extending application deadlines.
- October 5th, 2017
- The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services stopped accepting DACA applications.
- January 20, 2021
- President Biden passed an executive order to preserve and fortify the DACA program.
What is the latest DACA update?
A Texas judge called for the Biden administration to stop accepting DACA applications by arguing that the policy was illegally implemented by the Obama administration in 2012. The future of the program remains unclear. However, President Biden has ordered agencies to make efforts to preserve the program.
If you have any further questions regarding the latest DACA update, do not hesitate to reach out to our firm today. We would be happy to assist you. Our firm will continue to update you with more information regarding the situation as it is released.
Contact our experienced New Jersey firm
We understand how much is on the line when clients face matters related to immigration. If you are in need of experienced legal counsel for matters regarding immigration, please contact the Law Offices of Salvatore A. Falletta, LLC and we would be happy to provide you with assistance. Our firm is located in Lyndhurst, New Jersey. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.
