DACA recipients feel relief after federal judge’s ruling

One of the immigration programs most affected by policies and measures of the Trump administration is DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals). Broadly speaking, DACA is a benefit that protects undocumented immigrants, who came to the US as minors, from deportation.

In 2012, the Barack Obama administration implemented this program aiming to protect young immigrants, also known as Dreamers, who are the workers’ generation and contribute greatly to the socioeconomic development of the country. Obama stated that DACA would protect Dreamers for two years, with the possibility of renewal. This program also allows them to apply for legal work permits, legal documentation such as Social Security Number (SSN), study permits, inter alia.

Currently, DACA protects more than 700,000 young immigrants. However, DACA has been embroiled in a legal battle for the past 4 years because the current administration of the US, led by President Donald Trump, does not agree with offering benefits to immigrants who crossed the borders illegally, regardless of whether they are minors or adults.

After multiple legal processes and the intervention of several courts across the country, including the US Supreme Court of Justice, DACA was completely reinstated on December 7, 2020 thanks to the ruling of a federal judge in New York.

This was hopeful news, not just for DACA recipients, but for those who meet eligibility requirements but have not been able to apply due to the Trump administration’s policies. Adding to that, activist groups, immigrant rights advocates and immigration attorneys involved in the legal complaint also celebrated the judge’s decision.

Hundreds of immigrants seize the opportunity to apply for DACA

The US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), a branch of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), complied with the judge’s order and is currently receiving new applications for DACA .

It is important to remember that the Trump administration suspended new DACA applications and was renewing permits for only one year, instead of two. Therefore, with the judge’s ruling, the USCIS had to lift these restrictions and reinstate DACA with its original guidelines, which were established by the Obama administration.

When this news broke, hundreds of immigrants rushed to apply for DACA to protect their future in the US. In fact, according to official figures, approximately 1.3 million immigrants could be eligible for DACA. However, they still fear that the Trump administration will make one last attempt to remove it from benefits offered to immigrant communities.

Adding to that, dozens of DACA recipients are hoping that President-elect Joe Biden, who will take office in January 2021, will offer them a path to permanent residency to prevent a legal battle, like the one that took place during Donald Trump’s presidency, from happening again.

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