It has been nearly ten years since the DACA program went into effect and now there are many watching closely to understand what will happen as the 5th circuit court prepares to hear arguments on this Obama instituted immigration program.
The hopes of many dreamers are in limbo as they await to hear a ruling on their ability to gain permanent residency status. The 5th Circuit Court of Appeals will be considering the Texas lawsuit that challenges the DACA program on July 6, 2022.
There was a panel that gathered on Thursday, June 2, 2022, with a local news outlet to discuss the struggles of Dreamers and their journey to obtain a legal pathway for citizenship. The panel included local political leaders, attorneys and business leaders. Many feel it was not enough to be given the DACA opportunity, they want to become US Citizens and be fully protected.
One man who was part of this panel had been an undocumented person living in the United States for much of his life until the DACA program became available. With that opportunity he was able to go to Yale, study and graduate and is now serving in his community as a Kindergarten teacher.
The issue the DACA program is facing is that in August of 2021 a federal judge in Houston, TX ruled the program unlawful and that President Obama was acting outside of his authority when he put the program in place. This ruling halted any new DACA approvals but still allowed for active enrollees to stay and work in the US.
It is estimated that there are approximately 2.3 million Dreamers residing in the United States according to the Migration Policy Institute. Since this ruling, 611,400 were allowed to renew their DACA permits. The remaining numbers currently have no protection from deportation and are currently unable to legally work in the United States.
If you or someone you know has been affected by this lawsuit and needs help contact the Gambacorta Law Office today at 1-847-786-2599, for advice.