Lawsuits, protests, arrests, proposed legislation, and sheer uncertainty: these are just some of the immediate effects of the decision by United States President Donald Trump to put an end to the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program, which was enacted by means of an Executive Order signed by former President Barack Obama in 2012. The program was officially rescinded on September 5th. However, renewals can be filed over the next six months as Congress debates what should be done about DACA.
DACA works as a measure of hope for immigrants who were brought to the United States as undocumented immigrants before the age of 16. DACA was implemented out of necessity during a time when Republicans in Congress blocked efforts to pass comprehensive immigration reform. Former President Obama signed a series of measures to address uncomfortable issues such as DACA, mass deportations, immigration processing gridlock, draconian immigration law, and expensive detention. DACA does not guarantee a green card. It gives recipients identification documents, a shot at education, work permits, and the comfort of knowing they will not be rounded up by deportation forces.
On September 18th, six DACA recipients, who are referred to as “Dreamers,” filed a lawsuit against the Department of Justice. This case was placed in a San Francisco federal court docket and is expected to become a massive class action supported by many state Governors and organizations. Democratic members of Congress have been arrested at peaceful demonstrations against Trump and his immigration policy. No criminal charges are expected but these rebellious lawmakers want to convey a message that they are vehemently opposed to the status quo.
Support for the Dreamers has been strong. In Rhode Island, the Office of the Governor has secured more than $170,000 to allow DACA residents of that state to renew their status before October 5th, which means they can save on the $495 fee. In California, support is stronger in the sense that legal aid organizations are rallying around Dreamers to see if they have a chance to convert their status to conditional residency.
There is a chance of DACA being made into law by early 2018. With the current levels of high uncertainty within the Trump administration, anything could happen. The President is becoming very unpopular, and thus it would not be surprising to learn about a resumption of the DACA program. What is more important for Dreamers in San Diego to do at this point is to ascertain their status. They should seek the guidance of San Diego immigration lawyers and make sure they are not in danger of being deported for other reasons.
The lives of many Dreamers have been confusing. Some are not sure if they crossed the border illegally or if their parents simply overstayed their visa. The time to resolve all those issues is now. Trump has issued a six-month period of legislative discussion, which may or may not be extended.
To learn more about DACA and the changes in this program, reach out to KS Visa Law, a leading provider of immigration services in San Diego, CA. From naturalization to work visas, we can assist you with all your immigration-related needs. Call our office today at 858-847-0711 to schedule an appointment.
