DACA Update
DACA Update
On Friday, January 17th, a U.S. appeals court in the 5th Circuit issued a ruling against the DACA program. Here are the important things to know:
1. If you are a current DACA recipient, your status and your work authorization remain valid, and you can still renew, unless you live in the state of Texas.
2. USCIS is not processing initial applications for DACA at this time. This means that if you have never had DACA, or if you had DACA but let your status lapse for more than one year, you cannot apply for DACA now. In addition, if you have an initial application for DACA that is currently pending, that application is still on hold.
The January 17th ruling addresses the Biden Administration’s attempt to strengthen the DACA program in 2022. In 2023, a federal court in Texas ruled that the administration’s attempt to make DACA a federal regulation, rather than an executive order, did not remedy earlier legal challenges to the program. That ruling was appealed, and the appeals court has now sided with the lower court. However, the court’s ruling is limited to the state of Texas, where the original lawsuit was started. Currently, the DACA program remains intact for current recipients outside of Texas, pending further appeal or action from the Trump Administration.
Immigration lawyer Inna Scott and her team at Global Law Advocates specialize in helping immigrants of all kinds gain legal status and other immigration benefits in the United States. To consult with an experienced attorney about your immigration options, call us at 206-774-8758 or send us an email at info@globallawadvocates.com