Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals

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Context

• A United States Federal Court has declared Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals

What is DACA?

• DACA, an acronym for Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, is a policy that protects around 800,000 young people — known as “DREAMers” — who entered the United States unlawfully as children.
• The program does not grant them official legal status or a pathway to citizenship, but it does allow them to apply for a driver’s license, social security number, and work permit.
• The Policy was established by President Barack Obama in 2012.

DACA REQUIREMENTS

Applicants must meet the following major DACA requirements:

• Entered the United States unlawfully prior to their 16th birthday
• Have lived continuously in the United States since June 15, 2007
• Were under age 31 on June 15, 2012 (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)
• Had no lawful status on June 15, 2012
• Have completed high school or a GED, have been honourably discharged from the armed forces, or are enrolled in school
• Have not been convicted of a felony or a serious misdemeanour, or three or more other misdemeanours, and do not otherwise pose a threat to national security or public safety
• Immigrants up to the age of 31 can file for the protections and opportunities this program offers.

The recent call to end DACA

• Nine Republican-led states initiated the lawsuit earlier this year, aiming to end the program's protections for renewing deportation protections and work permits for Dreamers while phasing out the program over two years.
• They argued that the rule, which affects approximately 800,000 individuals, is unlawful.
• The recent ruling blocks the Biden administration's efforts to establish DACA as a federal rule and extends the legal uncertainty surrounding the program.
• Despite ongoing litigation and previous attempts by former President Trump to terminate DACA, it has remained in place.
• The White House has expressed the administration's disagreement with the court's decision, emphasizing their commitment to defending DACA.

https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/explained-global/us-court-daca-immigration-explained-8940250/