The Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program, or DACA, allows for undocumented immigrants who were illegally brought to the United States as children to avoid deportation and obtain work permits. DACA is popular, with a recent poll showing that 73 percent of voters believe DACA recipients, commonly called Dreamers (a reference to the DREAM Act), should be allowed to remain in the country. However, the future of DACA under the Trump administration has been uncertain.
Late last week it was reported that President Trump was likely going to end the program. Numerous immigration advocates, attorneys, and business leaders have lobbied the Trump administration to keep the program active. During the 2016 presidential campaign, Trump had made numerous promises to end DACA immediately, but officially backtracked on this promise in June.
If DACA is ended, around 800,000 young people, many who have no memories of their homeland, could be affected. Many undocumented immigrants used the DACA program to apply for financial aid, attend college, open bank accounts, and work, all without the fear of being deported. Should the program end, it is unknown what will happen to DACA recipients. They would no longer be protected from deportation, unable to work legally, and facing an uncertain future. Nearly 30 percent of approved DACA applications were issued in California, and recipients have received a vow of protection from California Attorney General Xavier Bacerra.
The Law Offices of Scott Warmuth closely follows all developing news related to immigration so that we can better serve our immigration clients. We can help you meet your immigration needs. Call us at 888-517-9888 for a free immigration consultation.
