A federal judge ruled again to declare the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program illegal), the program through which young people who entered the United States illegally as children can apply for a driver’s license, Social Security number and work permit.
Although the program does not grant them official legal status or a path to citizenship, it does provide them with a relief that many have used to pursue their dreams in the American Union, which is why they are called “Dreamers.”
Judge Andrew Hanen of the Southern District Court of Texas stated that despite his ruling Existing program beneficiaries can continue to extend their work permits and enjoy protection from deportation.
Hane said the Joe Biden administration’s attempts to register it as a federal regulation were illegal.
This fresh setback for Biden against a group of challenging Republican states led by Texas represents the Democrat’s second “defeat” in this area since then the same judge also ruled against it in 2021
The program is now more than 11 years old, having been implemented by former President Barack Obama on June 15, 2012.
Although there are hundreds of thousands of beneficiaries, Judge Hanen noted that no new applications could be received so that those already participating in the program can continue to be welcomed.
The judge said his decision “does not require the Department of Homeland Security’s DHS or the Department of Justice to take immigration, deportation or punitive actions against DACA recipients, applicants or persons who are otherwise ineligible.” It would take time.
