The U.S. Supreme Court declined to hear the Trump administration’s appeal to end the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program on March 5.
Sidestepping the federal court of appeals, the Trump administration petitioned the Supreme Court to overturn two federal court decisions that ordered the administration to maintain the DACA program by accepting renewal applications. Both rulings fell short of requiring the administration to accept requests from individuals who have never received protection from deportation under DACA.
What It Means
The Supreme Court ruling was expected since the federal court of appeals has yet to rule on the matter.
The latest decision means the 700,000 young people who are currently DACA recipients can continue to renew their DACA status for now. Moreover, major portions of the DACA program will remain in place after March 5. Individuals whose DACA grants have expired may also renew their DACA status.
However, Dreamers remain in limbo. Earlier this month, Congress failed to enact legislation that provided legalization or a path to citizenship for Dreamers. What’s more, those who now qualify for DACA and never before applied still cannot receive DACA protection.
Established during the Obama administration, DACA allows the children of undocumented immigrants—or Dreamers—to remain in the U.S. if they arrived by 2007. DACA recipients are eligible to renew their DACA protection from deportation every two years.
Act Now
The Alcorn Immigration Law team is monitoring the latest immigration policy developments that impact Dreamers. We urge:
- Dreamers to file DACA renewal applications.
- Both those with and without DACA protection should explore possible options for remaining legally in the U.S.
- U.S. citizens to sponsor parents and other family members for green cards while they still can.
We Can Help
The Alcorn Immigration Law team firmly believes immigration leads to innovation. If you are a Dreamer or have an employee, or a loved one who needs assistance, please contact us.
