In brief
The federal government is moving towards reopening applications for the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program, which provides temporary residency and work permits to certain undocumented immigrants brought to the U.S. as children. A proposal presented to a federal judge may allow new applications across the country, but Texas will have special restrictions on work permits. Advocates urge potential applicants to prepare their documentation while awaiting the court's decision, with estimates suggesting around 1.1 million individuals could be eligible.
McALLEN, Texas - The federal government is set to reopen applications for the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program, which allows certain undocumented immigrants to live and work legally in the United States. In a recent court session, attorneys for the Department of Justice and immigrant advocacy groups presented a plan to a federal judge aimed at resuming new applications, which have not been accepted for the past four years.DACA, initially created under President Obama, provides two-year renewable work permits and shields participants from deportation. Eligible individuals include those who entered the U.S. before turning 16, were under 31 years old as of June 15, 2012, and have maintained a clean legal record.While the proposal hints at expanding access, Texas would uniquely restrict work permits for DACA recipients residing in the state due to an ongoing lawsuit initiated back in 2018. Nevertheless, the proposal suggests that those in Texas may retain their current work authorizations for one additional renewal period.Notably, approximately 533,000 individuals are currently enrolled in DACA, but estimates indicate that about 1.1 million more across the country could qualify once the application process reopens.In light of this development, immigration advocates are urging potential applicants to start gathering necessary documentation, acknowledging the complexities surrounding the proposed changes. Cautious optimism permeates the conversations, especially amid concerns over the treatment of DACA recipients based on recent governmental actions.
