This week, a federal judge in Texas ruled that the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program is unlawful. This decision could ultimately lead to the termination the DACA program, will leaving thousands of undocumented youth in legal limbo without the ability to apply for work authorization, drivers licenses, and other protections that the DACA program offers.
This decision will permanently halt first-time DACA applications, absent intervention from an appellate court. DACA renewals and advance parole applications, however, are allowed to continue. The U.S. government will likely appeal the decision, and the case may end up at the Supreme Court. A potential case would likely not arrive to the Supreme Court until the 2024 term, leading to a potential decision in May or June 2025.
This fact sheet from the American Immigration Council provides an overview of legislative proposals designed to protect undocumented youth.
Read more: The Dream Act: An Overview
