In brief
The U.S. federal government is gearing up to accept new applications for the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program, designed to protect undocumented immigrants who arrived as children. While eligibility could extend to hundreds of thousands, Texas is pushing for restrictions on work permits for its residents. Advocates are cautiously optimistic as legal proceedings continue, with a federal judge expected to rule on the proposals soon.
McALLEN, Texas (AP) — The federal government is poised to resume accepting new applications for the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program, enabling many undocumented individuals to live and work legally in the United States.
In a recent court session, federal lawyers and immigrant advocates unveiled plans to a federal judge that would allow DACA applications to proceed once more. However, Texas—a litigating state against DACA—would exclude its residents from obtaining work permits.
Estimates indicate that once a formal ruling is issued by the federal judge, hundreds of thousands might be eligible for enrollment in DACA, a program established during the Obama presidency that provides two-year renewable permits for individuals brought to the U.S. illegally as minors.
DACA does not confer permanent legal status but protects recipients from deportation and allows them to work, provided they meet eligibility criteria, including being younger than 31 as of June 15, 2012, entering the U.S. before age 16, and lacking serious criminal convictions. Those in Texas might face limitations on their eligibility to apply for work permits due to a lawsuit initiated in 2018.
Moving Forward Cautiously
During a court hearing, attorneys from the Department of Justice proposed pathways for DACA applications across the nation—which have been on hold for the past four years. In Texas, while new and renewal applications may continue, work authorization for recipients will be restricted.
Advocates for DACA recipients have proposed a transitional period allowing current Texas residents some continued work authorization.
As legal discussions proceed, the federal government retains further opportunities to file responses, and Judge Andrew S. Hanen will designate the final directives.
Preparing for Opportunities
While immigration advocates remain cautious, many are preparing for the possibility of expanded DACA eligibility, with estimates suggesting that roughly 1.1 million individuals may be eligible nationwide. Michelle Celleri, Legal Rights Director for Alliance San Diego, emphasized the importance of readiness, encouraging community members to start documenting their information.
Despite waiting for an official ruling, optimism is present within advocacy circles, particularly when examining sections of the government proposal which indicate potential future modifications to DACA regulations. Juliana Macedo do Nascimento, a spokesperson for United We Dream, underscored the need for a broader evaluation of ongoing shifts in DACA enforcement.
