DACA

On June 18, 2020, the Supreme Court blocked the Trump administration’s attempt to end Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA). DACA is a rule that allows immigrants who were brought into the US as children to avoid deportation. The 5-4 ruling is a huge victory for immigrant communities and their allies who mobilized to protect the DACA program.

The Supreme Court decision means: 

1. Current DACA recipients continue to be protected from deportation and eligible for benefits under the DACA program.
2. US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) must continue to accept and process DACA renewal applications.
3. USCIS should begin accepting initial (first-time) DACA applications as well as applications for advance parole. All eligible individuals should consult with a legal service provider for information about applying for DACA for the first time, renewing their existing DACA, and/or getting screened for eligibility for other, more permanent immigration options.

Although the Court sided with DACA recipients, the program remains in jeopardy until there’s a permanent legislative solution.