The Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program protects young people known as “Dreamers,” who came to America illegally before age 16 and have been living in the country for a certain amount of time and have not done anything illegal. DACA has allowed almost 800,000 young immigrants to avoid being deported and gave them the chance to find lawful work through a two-year work permit, which could be renewed. Many of these immigrants came to America when they were so young, that they have no memory of their birth country.
However, Louisville residents may be concerned to hear that President Trump will reportedly put an end to the DACA program, although he will allow a six-month delay before taking steps to formally disassemble it. The six-month delay is meant to give Congress a chance to determine whether it will address the status of those protected by the act.
As of this time, it is not entirely clear how the aforementioned-delay will work in practice, nor is it clear what the future would bring to those who already have work permits per the DACA program or those whose work permits are set to expire before the delay is up. It is also not clear what will happen should Congress be unable to pass legislation before the six months are up. And while Trump has waivered on his opinions of “Dreamers” so far during his administration, applications for DACA work permits have continued to be processed.
It remains to be seen how Congress and the President will act on the issue of immigration and “Dreamers,” if they act at all. Unfortunately, this news is certainly troubling to those who have applied for a DACA work permit or who currently have one. Young people who are concerned about the possibility of deportation and removal due to the possible dismantling of DACA may want to seek the advice of an immigration attorney.
Source: TIME, “President Trump Has Decided to Terminate the DACA Immigration Program, Report Says,” Jill Colvin and Catherine Lucey, Sept. 3, 2017
