By Hiba Faruqi
On October 5, 2022, the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals issued a ruling on Texas v. United States DACA, upholding the original judgment, which ruled that DACA is unlawful. While renewals for existing DACA recipients will remain open, the case is headed back to a lower court to decide on the fate of the program. What does this mean for Dreamers?
DACA renewals are still open. But since this decision is subject to change, renewing as soon as possible is of the utmost importance.
A negative decision from the district court or even the Supreme Court is possible. If a court decides to end the program on the basis of legality and end renewals, recipients of DACA will lose protections against deportation and their ability to work.
The consequences of this kind of decision would be disastrous. An expected 5,000 DACA recipients would lose their protections every week over the course of two years. This means the loss of thousands of jobs and protection from deportation for many. The potential reality for DACA recipients is horrifying, for themselves, their families, and their communities.
Even beyond this lawsuit, DACA is not enough. In order to avoid these grim consequences, Congress must act and provide a pathway to citizenship now. Delaying such action leaves Dreamers and their families in a state of perpetual anxiety and uncertainty.
Every family deserves to live without the fear and constant threat of separation through deportation. Children’s Defense Fund stands firmly with all Dreamers and calls on Congress to enact a permanent legislative solution to provide the pathway to citizenship that these young people and their families deserve.
Here’s how you can join the fight to protect immigrant families:
- Sign up here to urge Congress to take action, and to be the first to hear about DACA updates from United We Dream.
- If you or your loved ones need legal or financial assistance while navigating the process of DACA renewal, visit immigrationhelp.org or view United We Dream’s comprehensive renewal guide.
- Looking for more information on the significance and impact of DACA? Check out this factsheet!
Authors
Hiba Faruqi
Immigration Policy Intern, Children’s Defense Fund – Texas