Not even two months after the Supreme Court blocked an attempt to end the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) immigration program, the federal government has taken steps to “limit the scope” while the administration reviews what it considers to be an illegal program. In an announcement, federal officials said they will be rejecting all new initial requests and application fees, as well as all applications for advance parole “absent extraordinary circumstances.” In addition, the government will be limiting all renewals to one year instead of two, considering all renewals on a case-by-case basis.
This new policy goes against the Supreme Court’s decision and a federal court order to reinstate the DACA program in its full original form, and is likely to face significant legal challenges. In attempting to circumvent the court system, the administration is not only indicating a willingness to work outside the bounds of the law, but also putting lives and livelihoods at risk with additional hurdles in the way of legal immigration.
The court battles to come may very well sustain DACA and ensure continuing protection under the program. In the meantime, it is crucial that DACA applicants and current DACA beneficiaries know their rights, and have the best legal representation possible. Any current or prospective applicants for new or continuing protections should ensure that their applications are as robust as possible, to avoid the possibility of rejection and deportation. Reeves Immigration Law Group will continue to monitor the situation carefully to ensure the best possible result for our clients.
If you or a loved one has DACA, it is highly recommended that you seek the advice of a reputable immigration attorney to explore filing an extension of your current DACA and to explore other options for more permanent relief. Many new programs and changes to old ones have been implemented in the last several years and may provide a route to residency or employment authorization where none existed before.
