Federal Judge Rules DACA Unlawful, Halting New Applications
Last week, a federal judge in the Southern District of Texas ruled that the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program is unlawful. This ruling affects only individuals who received DACA on or before July 16, 2021, allowing them to continue renewing their status. However, no new applications will be processed under this ruling.
For many DACA recipients, commonly referred to as Dreamers, this ruling did not come as a surprise. Marian Mata Garcia, a Dreamer and resident of Oceanside, expressed her detachment from the news due to its negative impact on her mental health. Despite the uncertainty surrounding DACA, Garcia remains determined to pursue her dreams and contribute to her community. Having recently graduated with a bachelor’s degree in science and global health from UC San Diego, she is currently working in Oceanside to gain clinical experience.
Garcia, who was brought to the U.S. by her parents at a young age, applied for DACA when she was 15. The program has protected her from deportation, allowed her to obtain a driver’s license, work legally, and pursue higher education. However, DACA does not provide a pathway to permanent legal status. Garcia emphasized the contributions of Dreamers, stating, “We pay taxes, we’re out here doing what everyone else is doing. It’s kind of unfortunate that they keep trying to bring it down and say that the program is illegal and that it shouldn’t have been made.”
Josefina Espino, the office coordinator for the Dreamers Resource Office at Cal State San Marcos, empathizes with the challenges faced by undocumented students. Espino highlights the importance of providing resources and immigration services to support these students. While the center aims to create a safe space for Dreamers, Espino acknowledges the limitations imposed on undocumented students pursuing education and career opportunities. She notes that an increasing number of students lack even DACA status, leaving them vulnerable to deportation and without work authorization.
Diana Pliego, an advocate with the National Immigration Law Center, anticipates that the ruling will be appealed unless Congress takes action. Pliego emphasizes the commitment to continue fighting for DACA recipients and those who have been excluded from the program. While DACA may ultimately reach the Supreme Court, the current situation leaves Dreamers in a state of uncertainty and waiting.
The ruling’s impact on Dreamers and their aspirations is a cause for concern. Without work authorization, many graduates are unable to utilize their degrees and are forced into low-paying jobs or exploitative situations. The ongoing legal battle surrounding DACA underscores the need for comprehensive immigration reform to provide a stable and long-term solution for Dreamers and other undocumented individuals seeking a better future in the United States.
Overall, the recent ruling has halted new applications for DACA, leaving many Dreamers in a state of uncertainty regarding their futures. The ongoing legal and legislative battles surrounding the program will determine its fate and the opportunities available to these young individuals striving to contribute to their communities and achieve their goals.
Original Story at www.kpbs.org – 2023-09-20 00:51:00
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